If I have a container with 50 mL of liquid in which approximately 70% (by volume) is water and the remaining 30% is presumably CCl4,how can I test the
immiscible liquid at the bottom to confirm that it's CCl4?
While I'm on the subject, how can I discard this liquid responsibly - if, indeed it happens to be CCl4?
Tomm1tanker78 - 7-3-2011 at 08:23
I forgot to mention that I don't have any iodine. Would solubility of sulfates provide any clues?
Tomhissingnoise - 7-3-2011 at 08:39
If it removes those stubborn stains, it's probably CCl<sub>4</sub>
[edit] Don't forget; its toxicity is high especially to the liver . . .
[Edited on 7-3-2011 by hissingnoise]m1tanker78 - 7-3-2011 at 09:14
That it does (well, I've only tested it on some mildew). Are there any other non-polar, relatively stable compounds of chlorine aside from chlorofom?
There's some conflicting data on the net concerning CCl4's toxicity. Does anyone have any references to tests that have been conducted or studies of
humans that have been exposed?
Tomm1tanker78 - 7-3-2011 at 09:22
Thanks HN. I've been treating it like a carcinogen, just in case.
Is there any easy way to convert it to something safe(r) that can be flushed down the drain? I realize it's a small amount but I want to include a
method of safely disposing of it in my notes.
TomArthur Dent - 7-3-2011 at 09:29
To dispose of very small quantities of toxic or carcinogenic solvents, one method is that if you have access to a wide open space, pour the solvent on
a piece of paper towel, and let it evaporate outside in the sun. If it's volatle like CCl4, it shouldn't take much time. Keep away from people and
pets if you do that.
Robert hissingnoise - 7-3-2011 at 10:48
At one time, its fairly agreeable smell was pervasive on the high street around laundries and such - it was also the main ingredient in dab-it-off,
the stain remover . . .
All chlorinated carbons have that sweetish odour!
mr.crow - 7-3-2011 at 10:57
CCl4 is obviously not politically correct. That means you should seal it up in a bottle and put it on your shelf to enjoy!
I agree with evaporating into the atmosphere for small scale. You wouldn't want to use it for an experiment, DCM or chloroform could be used in almost
all cases. m1tanker78 - 7-3-2011 at 12:19
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to pour it on some oil/grease stains on the driveway during the hottest hour of the day so it'll evaporate
quickly. I'm not 100% sure that CCl4 is what's in the jar but better safe than sorry. Like lighting a fuse.... pour and run. No pets or people
downwind.
TomBromicAcid - 7-3-2011 at 15:09
There's always Fenton's ReagentPaddywhacker - 7-3-2011 at 22:30
