The book procedure calls for 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-diol and concentrated hydrochloric acid to be shaken in a reaction vial. Whi
ch of the following is a hazard associated with this procedure? A) Hydrochloric acid can cause skin and eye burns, so gloves and goggles must be worn.
B) Hydrochloric acid has irritating vapors, and must be used in the fume hood
C) The vial may build up pressure. Be sure to vent the vial frequently, and keep the glass sash of the fume hood between you and the vial.
D) The vial could be dropped, splashing hydrochloric acid. Keep the vial well inside the hood.
E) All of the above.
Since the acidic nature of the HCl implies its corrosiveness, when it is in contact with the skin and eyes the burning starts immediately, so gloves and goggles must be worn. Next, the fuming hydrochloric acid (37% by mass) is volatile so it gives off even when dissolved into water, so it must be used in the fume hood. Then, since vapors are produced during the chemical reaction, an overpressure could be attained, that's why we must keep the glass sash of the fume hood between us and the vial. As a common risk, the vial could be dropped causing the hydrochloric acid to splash, so we must keep the vial well inside the hood.
