Guidelines for care & Use of Dry Solvent Stills [Example]

14. Dr. Tobey – Room # 2
Lab Personnel Phone Numbers
Laboratory Room Number 2 Salem Hall, Reynolda Campus
Laboratory phone #(or nearest building phone #) 758-4934
Laboratory Instructor Dr. Suzanne Tobey Office Phone 758-5513
Office Room # 4B Home Phone 922-3893
Students Assigned to this Laboratory, Name Home Phone Number
including Graduate Students,
Undergraduates and Post Doctorates
Brief Description of Research Conducted in This Lab
INCLUDING POSSIBLE PROBLEMS FOR FIREFIGHTERS WITHIN:
Research in this lab involves synthetic organic chemistry and the purification of organic molecules. The
hazards include typical flammable laboratory solvents (ether, hexanes, tetrahydrofuran, benzene,
dichloromethane) mineral acids, toxic and caustic chemicals in all phases, electrical appliances, and
pressurized gas cylinders (argon, nitrogen). The flammable solvents are stored in cabinets under the hoods.
The lab houses a solvent system located to the rear right wall intended for dispensing dry organic solvents.
There are two vacuum pumps located in the lab under the hoods and the gas cylinders are secured in places
using approved methods. Moisture and air sensitive chemicals (alkyl lithiums and Grignard reagents) are
stored in the freezer located in the adjacent lab-room. Avoid spraying water towards the top shelf located
above the benches as sodium and potassium metals will ignite. Hydrides (sodium hydride and lithium
aluminum hydride) are located on the front bench so avoid use of water in this area. Base baths containing
isopropanol and potassium hydroxide are stored in plastic containers under the hoods and can be casutic if
spilled on the skin.
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