Are there any precautions when working with alcohol due to its flammability? And can alcohol explode? How? If so, can it explode if something dipped in it was stored away in a closet or cupboard?
2006-12-18 16:26:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
First just keep it away from any ignition source, and wear safety glasses in case it does ignite. Alcohol can explode, but you need to get the right air/alcohol vapor mixture (I'm not sure which kind of alcohol you are talking about so I'm not sure what that is) and you almost have to be trying to do that and have a very strong ignition source. Say though that you were to dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and set it back in the bathroom cabinet, it's not going to explode. The alcohol will just evaporate and effuse through the cracks in the doors and disperse throughout the room. If you open the doors before it all leaves the cabinet it will stink like hell, but it's not an explosion hazard. If you check the links below one goes to the TNT (obviously explosive) MSDS and the other rubbing alcohol MSDS. You will see the difference under the "stability" section of the sheets.
2006-12-18 16:54:16 · answer #1 · answered by Angry Marsupial 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, alcohol is highly flammabile so keep away from naked flame and sources of fire. It should be kepted in a fireproof locker over a set volume and yes it can explode if something is dipped in it (well the bottle can), but this is down to chemical reactions cause by the compound in question to the alcohol.
2006-12-18 16:31:36 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Hex Vision 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, use it in a well-ventilated area. Alcohol does not explode, it burns with an almost invisible flame. The vapor DOES explode when mixed with oxygen or air. If an object soaked with it is stored in a closet or cupboard it won't ignite spontaneously but any spark or flame nearby WILL!
2006-12-18 16:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by bulruq 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep alcohol away from an open flame. BUT always ensure there is no flame when u r not around to tend to it!
and when u get alcohol on your hands, wash it off immediately!
Alcohol + fire = disaster. by itself it isnt harmful in an explosive sense.
store it under lock and key or somewhere safe, especially away from bunsen burners or anything that can ignite a fire.
2006-12-18 16:35:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mark T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep it away from any potential source of fire.
2006-12-18 16:30:23 · answer #5 · answered by Subhasis G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ye s yes yes
2006-12-18 16:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by NuncProTunc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋