Reactive Substances

Explosive

Decompose over time or when exposed to heat, shock or a catalyst. Decomposition can proceed rapidly resulting in an explosive release of heat, gas or energy. (E.g., concentrated hydrogen peroxide, picric acid (dry), trinitrotoluene (TNT).)

Oxidizing Agents

Oxidizing agents are chemicals that bring about an oxidation reaction. They can be gas, liquid or solid. The oxidizing agent may provide oxygen to the substance being oxidized (in which case the agent has to be oxygen or contain oxygen) or receive electrons being transferred from the substance undergoing oxidation (chlorine is a good oxidizing agent for electron-transfer purposes, even though it does not contain oxygen). The intensity of the oxidation reaction depends on the oxidizing-reducing potential of the material involved.

Fire or explosion is possible when strong oxidizing agents come into contact with easily oxidizable compounds, such as metals, metal hydrides or organics. Because oxidizing agents possess varying degrees of instability, they can be explosively unpredictable.

Polymerizing

Self-reacts to form larger molecules. Can break container. (e.g., styrene)

Pyrophoric

React rapidly in open air (e.g., white phosphorus, diethyl zinc). Store under an inert gas atmosphere. Purchase minimum quantities. Notify EH&S when storing air reactive compounds.

Peroxide Former

Tends to react slowly with air to form unstable organic peroxides. The organic peroxides can be explosive. (e.g., diethyl ether,acrylonitrile,dioxane) Shelf life is limited to 6 months from opening the container. 12 months from date of purchase. Store away from light to reduce peroxide formation.

Water Reactive

Reacts with water, steam, condensation and even water in the air to evolve heat (e.g., acid anhydrides) or explosive gas (e.g., alkali metals). Keep in cool, waterproof storage. Protect from sprinkler pattern in the event of fire.

Center for Chemical Process Safety Hazard Alert: Reactive Materials Hazards