I may not be a smart man.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

The oxidation on the lid of that container is peroxide crystals.
Peroxide crystals are a primary explosive that extremely sensitive to shock.

If one did not notice the crystal growth on the spout of the metal can of ether; It could result in losing a finger from just opening the lid....


So we have peroxide crystals from oxidation of ether with the atmosphere from sitting probably the last 30+ years. Seeing something like this just doesn't happen everyday. or even once in a lifetime. I wanted to share with you ungrateful hogs before the feds take it away and dispose of it (blow it up).

Interesting. I have a spray can of "starting fluid" that is mostly ether. I did not know that ether evaporates into an explosive. Are the crystals the white powder looking stuff on the edge of the cap? The little brown speck are rust I presume.

If you have a can of ether around do you have some Chloroform around as well?

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

This thread has enhanced my apathy.
.... and I have no clue why

Old joke here....

What's the biggest problem we face today... ignorance or apathy?

A: I don't know .... and I don't care

[Por_sha911]

^
I love it.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Interesting. I have a spray can of "starting fluid" that is mostly ether. I did not know that ether evaporates into an explosive. Are the crystals the white powder looking stuff on the edge of the cap? The little brown speck are rust I presume.

If you have a can of ether around do you have some Chloroform around as well?

it does not evaporate but oxidzes to peroxide. Very common in organic labs to evaporate ether to obtain the product. Kids have blown up flasks in rotarvaps from using old oxidized stock ether... So evaporation is very normal process that is safe. Bubbling O2 in ether would produce the peroxide. The can in question is way outdated. I would assume pre80's SOP.


Multiple different types. Mostly CDCl3 as normal chloroform is just a more polar solvent than water.

[thingmon]

The industrial waste mgmt companies (Clean Harbors, Veolia, SET, etc..) have people that deal with that sort of thing. If you like this one, look up anhydrous hydrogen cyanide. That stuff can take out a lot more than a finger.

[Por_sha911]

There are all sorts of common items found around the house that are dangerous.
Spray brake fluid on a hot exhaust pipe and fumes will do major damage to your lungs.
Draino drain cleaner puts off some nasty fumes.
Probably the most dangerous is dihydrogen monoxide. Its everywhere and it kills an average of over 3800 Americans each year!

[oldE]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Probably the most dangerous is dihydrogen monoxide. Its everywhere and it kills an average of over 3800 Americans each year!

Yes, but you need a relatively large quantity compared to the other substances.

Best
Les

[Por_sha911]

The CIA has figured out ways to administer small amounts with dramatic results.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by thingmon

The industrial waste mgmt companies (Clean Harbors, Veolia, SET, etc..) have people that deal with that sort of thing. If you like this one, look up anhydrous hydrogen cyanide. That stuff can take out a lot more than a finger.

Veolia didn't want to pick this one up. Advised to call local EOD. No local EOD. I suggested taking it out back and shooting it with a BB gun + more fun things.

Admin shot me down and called in the three letter agencies to dispose of.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

There are all sorts of common items found around the house that are dangerous.
Spray brake fluid on a hot exhaust pipe and fumes will do major damage to your lungs.
Draino drain cleaner puts off some nasty fumes.
Probably the most dangerous is dihydrogen monoxide. Its everywhere and it kills an average of over 3800 Americans each year!

You make my eyes hurt with bad nomenclature jokes.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by island911

Ok, why do you have ether?

Fun tricks with people's covid masks?

lol!

Nothing like an ether high from an organic lab bc there's no engineering controls for vapor.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

But I do know what ether oxidizes to.

Imagine my state of mind when I rummaged around in my mentors chem cabinet and came across some interesting yellow/orange crystals....in a very old jar of picric acid.