Steam explosion-sodium hydroxide-water

This study reports the first application of universal calibration via HPSEC-DV to four acetylated hardwood lignins obtained from aspen (Pop-ulus tremuloides) wood meal by ball milling and solvent extraction steam explosion followed by alkaline extraction organosolv pulping followed by water extraction of the associated sugars and dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis followed by sodium hydroxide extraction. 

Cold water should always be used when dissolving sodium hydroxide because considerable heat is generated. If hot water is used, the solution will boil with explosive violence and may result in serious burns. If the water is not cold enough, the solution may start to steam. If this should occur, add some ice to cool the solution. DO NOT BREATHE THE VAPOR. If it starts to steam, leave the room until it is cool. 

SAFETY PROFILE An intense irritant to dssue, skin, and eyes. Flammable by chemical reaction. Ignites or explodes with heat or grinding. Explosive reaction with moisture, chromium trioxide, potassium chlorate, halocarbons (e.g., l,l-diethoxy-2-chloroethane), oxidants, sodium nitrite, air. Can become explosive in storage. Violent reaction with dinitrogen tetraoxide. Will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes of sodium hydroxide and ammonia. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of NH3 and Na20. See also AMIDES. 

BOROHIDRURO SODICO (Spanish) (16940-66-2) Combustible solid. Dust or powder forms explosive mixture with air autoignition above 550°F/288°C. Reacts with water, steam, moist air, alcohols, glycols, phenols, cresols, palladium dust, producing flammable hydrogen gas. Violent reaction with acids, forming diborane gas, with the possibility of explosion. Violent reaction with oxidizers, dimethyl formamide, aldehydes, ketones, metal powders, metal salts, sodium hydroxide. Polymerization may be caused by contact with bases, acrylonitrile, sodium borohydride. Forms explosive material that is ultra-sensitive to friction or shock, and moisture-sensitive with salts of ruthenium. Attacks metals. Corrodes glass slowly. 

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