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.
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