A Quick Reference Guide to Incompatible Laboratory Chemicals

Consequences of Interaction between Incompatible Materials

A set of suggestions were provided on storage of laboratory chemicals. Chemicals having similar characteristics such as flammables, acids, bases, corrosives, oxidizing agents and toxics, with some exceptions, can be stored together in a planned sequence. It would be a great help if you are provided a reference chart on common incompatible laboratory chemicals. A quick reference to the chart before planning storage of laboratory chemicals will avoid possible future laboratory mishaps due to close proximity of incompatible materials.

Before you proceed to stock laboratory chemicals it is advisable to keep in mind two important guidelines in mind.Firstly store only minimal quantities of hazardous quantities in the laboratory.Excees quantities should be stocked in separate space which should be well ventilated and equipped with emergency handling measures.

Secondly, do not use any available space in fume hood for storing hazardous chemicals as a fume hood is not meant to be a storage cabinet.Cluttering of available space in the fume hood will reduce the efficiency of the fume hood to remove harmful vapours and gases by restricting free air flow through it.

A ready reference chart on incompatible materials is provide below

Chemical	Incompatibility with
Acetic Acid	Chromic acid, Nitric acid,Ethylene glycol,Perchloric acid,Peroxides, Permanganates
Acetylene	Copper, Chlorine, Bromine, Fluorine,Silver, Mercury
Acetone	Concentrated Nitric acid and Sulphuric acid mixtures
Ammonia	Mercury,Chlorine,Bromine, Iodine , Hydrofluoric acid
Aniline	Nitric acid , Hydrogen peroxide
Azides	Acids
Copper	Acetylene,Hydrogen peroxide
Cyanides	Acids
Flammable Liquids	Ammonium nitrate,Nitric acid, Chromic acid,Hydrogen Peroxide, Halogens
Hydrocarbons	Halogens,Chromic acid,Sodium Peroxide
Hydrocyanic acid	Nitric acid,alkalis
Hypochlorites	Activated Carbon, Acids
Iodine	Acetylene, Ammonia
Mercury	Acetylene,Fulminic acid,Ammonia
Nitric acid	Aniline,Acetic acid,Hydrocyanic acid, Copper, Brass
Oxalic acid	Silver, Mercury
Oxygen	Oils, Grease,Hydrogen, Flammable liquids
Perchloric acid	Paper, Wood,Grease, Oils,Acetic acid,Alcohols
Peroxides	Acids
Phosphorus white	Air, Oxygen,Alkalies,Reducing agents
Potassium permanganate	Glycerol, Ethylene glycol, Sulphuric acid,Benzaldehyde
Sodium	Water,Carbon dioxide,Carbon tetrachloride
Silver	Acetylene,Oxalic acid,Tartaric acid,Ammonium compounds,Fulminic acid
Sulphides	Acids
Sulphuric acid	Potassium permanganate, Potassium perchlorate,Potassium chlorate

Apart from the tabulated information do consult the Material Safety Data Sheet of specific chemicals whenever in doubt.