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Asked by lavamonster to Hywel, Joseph, Patience, Poonam, Rachael on 14 Jun 2010 in Categories: General. This question was also asked by tinyninjaman.
Question: What is the Most reactive metals you have touched and survived
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Poonam Kaushik answered on 14 Jun 2010:
I touched sodium accidentally though! It is very reactive. Elemental sodium does not occur naturally on Earth, because it quickly oxidizes in air and is violently reactive with water, so it must be stored in an inert medium, such as a liquid hydrocarbon. While doing experiment for halogen testing I touched it and nothing happened!
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Dr Hywel Jones answered on 14 Jun 2010:
Well, as a good scientist I try to be really safe in what I do and if I think something is dangerous I will take sensible precautions to make sure that I can handle it safely without putting myself or others in danger.
I remember my chemistry teacher showing me the sodium and potassium reactions with water when I was in school and I thought that was pretty cool. -
Joseph Cook answered on 14 Jun 2010:
I haven’t had the need to use any reactive metals in my work, all the metals I come into contact with are very inert. I’ve used a number of reactive chemicals though. One of the worst was acryloyl chloride. I also often use strong acids and bases.
Comments
lavamonster commented on :
what is the chemical formula for acryloyl chloride?
Joseph commented on :
It’s C3H3OCl and has the structure H2C=CH-C(=O)-Cl. This probably isn’t very clear because I can’t draw the structure out! If you type it into google there will be some pictures of it.
This type of molecule is very reactive because the chlorine atom is easily replaced. It’s even more dangerous because it’s volatile, so when you open a bottle of it, toxic fumes are released. It needs to be handled in a fume cupboard at all times and with protective clothing, gloves and goggles.
lavamonster commented on :
Thanks i think u should win the £500 🙂