Question

A solid chemical substance with a very high vaporization temperature can still produce potent smells at room temperature. What, then, produces smell, and could smelling some potent solid substance pose any danger, even if it hasn't vaporized at all?

Answer 1

Chemical substances in solid form can produce potent smells at room temperature through sublimation, which is the transition from a solid to a vapor phase.

Smelling a potent solid substance can pose a potential danger as inhaling the particles or vapors released during sublimation can be harmful.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical substances can take a variety of forms, including solids. Even though a solid chemical substance may have a high vaporization temperature, it can still produce potent smells at room temperature.

This is because some substances can undergo sublimation, which is the transition from a solid to a vapor phase.

During sublimation, the solid substance directly turns into a vapor without passing through the liquid phase. Certain solids, such as mothballs, can sublimate and release potent smells.

When you smell a potent solid substance, you may be inhaling particles or vapors that are released during sublimation.

These particles can enter your respiratory system and potentially cause harm. Some solids, like osmium tetroxide, are highly toxic and their sublimation-produced vapors can be dangerous even if the solid has not vaporized completely.