Rhodanide - 26-2-2018 at 06:20
I have a small amount of Benzyl Chloride in a sealed bottle. While looking for a few chemicals, I picked up the bottle and moved it a few feet. I
should add that I had no gloves, but the bottle was clean on the outside! I guess by just doing this, the vapor "stuck" to my hands! It left behind a
musty smell, sort of like brick dust. Washing with water won't get rid of it. Soap won't kill it. Fairly concentrated Sodium Hydroxide solution won't
do it, even (Yes, I was that desperate). What the hell do I do? Wait for it to dissipate? How do I handle it in the future? I only have a tiny amount
of unknown concentration, less than 20mL. It was produced by the radical Chlorination of Toluene.
Tsjerk - 26-2-2018 at 11:27
The smell is caused by chlorinated proteins, you won't get rid of it until your skin is renewed. I guess it takes a long as trinitrophenol stains take
to disappear; about three weeks.
zed - 26-2-2018 at 16:52
Way I recall, it is easier to make it from Benzyl Alcohol.
Nasty stuff. I cry when I think about it.
Magpie - 26-2-2018 at 16:58
Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Boraxo) makes an excellent non-toxic cleaner for dirty/greasy hands after doing auto-mechanic work. I suggest you try
that. It is my go-to cleaner for my hands. If it doesn't work try Bartender's Friend which contains oxalic acid. As a last resort, try 3M abrasive
pads.
wg48 - 26-2-2018 at 23:57
For dirty greasy oily auto mechanic hands I recommend diy Swarfega, a 50/50 mixture of cooking oil and washing up liquid.
Alternatively solubilize the grease and oil by washing/massaging your dry(no water) hands with cooking oil then with washing up liquid, rinse and dry.
A nail brush helps too.