Key Compounds: Trolox, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), Ferric Chloride, Phosphate Buffered Saline, Methanol, Acetic Acid, Ethanol
Common Use: Measuring antioxidant properties in food, natural products, and supplements
Forms: Powders, crystalline solids, liquids in reagent kits
Color and Odor: Varies from colorless to deep purple (DPPH solution), often faint or pungent chemical odors
DPPH: Irritating to skin and eyes, inhalation may cause coughing or sore throat
Methanol: Highly flammable, toxic if ingested, possible blindness or death at high exposure, may absorb through skin
Ethanol: Flammable, vapors may cause dizziness, skin and eye irritation
Ferric Chloride: Corrosive, burns tissue, staining and toxicity risks
Acetic Acid: Burning sensation, respiratory tract irritation, corrosive to metals, severe burns possible
DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl): 95–100% active, organic compound, radical scavenger
Methanol: 99–100% purity, common solvent, volatile, exposure limit under 200 ppm (OSHA)
Ferric Chloride: Often over 98% pure, strong oxidizer
Acetic Acid: Ranges from dilute (vinegar) to glacial (>99%) in pure form
Ethanol: Present in some protocols, often 95–100% concentration
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if safe
Skin Contact: Wash area with water, disrobe contaminated clothing, seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, use oxygen if available, medical help for breathing difficulty
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting with methanol or strong acids/bases, get medical attention fast, poison control intervention for methanol
Suitable Extinguishers: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam
Hazards: Methanol and ethanol ignite easily, risk of toxic gases like carbon monoxide
Protective Gear: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind, containers may explode if heated, avoid inhaling fumes
Small Spills: Mop up with absorbent (vermiculate or sand), ventilate area well, collect in sealable container for disposal
Large Spills: Evacuate non-essential personnel, contain with dikes, shut off sources of ignition
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant clothing, respirators if ventilation lacking
Avoid: Drains, sewers, and direct environment exposure of methanol, ethanol or corrosive acids
Storage: Flame-proof cabinets for alcohols and solvents, cool and dry environment, away from acids and bases
Handling: Work in fume hoods, minimize exposure by using sealed vessels, label all chemicals
Segregation: Flammables separated from oxidizers and corrosives, acids apart from bases and metals
Personal Care: Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling reagents, wash hands thoroughly after work
Engineering Controls: Certified fume hood, local exhaust for volatile solvents
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, eye shields or goggles, long sleeves, closed shoes, lab coats
Respirators: Worn when ventilation is inadequate, select filters for organic vapors
Environmental Safety: Avoid splashes, spilled solvents evaporate and spread fumes rapidly
Methanol: Volatile, colorless liquid, low flash point (-11°C), miscible with water
DPPH: Deep purple solid, dissolves in methanol or ethanol, stable at room temperature in solid form
Ferric Chloride: Yellow-brown crystals or solutions, highly soluble in water, corrosive
Acetic Acid: Clear, pungent liquid, mixes with water, corrosive at high concentrations
Ethanol: Colorless, volatile, strong odor, low viscosity
DPPH: Stable away from light and moisture, strong oxidizers may degrade
Methanol/Ethanol: Stable under normal lab conditions, risk of explosive peroxides if old and exposed to air
Ferric Chloride: Reacts violently with reducing agents, metals
Acetic Acid: Can corrode metals, violent with strong oxidizers
Methanol: Even small ingestions can trigger metabolic acidosis, blindness, or death; chronic exposure leads to nervous system damage
DPPH: Not well-studied for chronic toxicity, acute irritation possible
Ferric Chloride: Ingestion causes severe GI symptoms, burns tissue, toxic in high doses
Acetic Acid: Inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure causes tissue burns and pain, vapors irritate respiratory tract
Ethanol: CNS depression at high dose, low-level exposure unlikely to harm if used properly
Methanol/Ethanol: Readily biodegradable, high amounts pollute groundwater, toxic to aquatic species in concentrated spills
Ferric Chloride: Harmful for aquatic ecosystems, raises water acidity, possible fish kill
Acetic Acid: Diluted acetic acid often breaks down in environment, higher concentrations harmful to soil organisms and aquatic life
DPPH: Ecotoxicity data limited, recommended caution due to aromatic structure
Solve in Waste: All solvents, acids, and non-aqueous waste collected in sealed, labeled containers
Regulated Disposal: Send hazardous waste to dedicated center, never down the drain
Solid Waste: Contaminated gloves, filters, containers disposed as hazardous waste
Practice: Check local legislation—violations risk health and fines
Methanol/Ethanol: Classified as dangerous goods, flammable liquid label required, special packaging for air and road shipment
Ferric Chloride: Corrosive warning required, avoid contact with metal containers prone to rust
DPPH and other derivatives: Often transported in small amounts, courier restrictions apply
Methanol and Ethanol: Covered by OSHA, IARC, DOT, and EU chemical safety standards as hazardous; workplace exposure limits enforced
Ferric Chloride and Acetic Acid: Restricted for industrial and lab use, classified as corrosive materials
DPPH: Not widely listed as hazardous, but local chemical hygiene standards apply
Good Practice: Each reagent handled with informed respect for local guidelines, hazard symbols, and lab protocols