Question

Camphor is reduced to isoborneol by sodium borohydride in ethanol. The instructions for safe disposal of the chemical waste generated by this reaction state that the lids should not be screwed back onto the waste containers. Why should the lids not be put back on the waste containers?A) The reaction waste is still generating hydrogen gas that would get trapped in the container.B) Allowing the volatile waste to evaporate will lower the cost of chemical waste removal.C) Leaving the lid off allows the layers within the container to separate from one another.D) The tag on the container that lists its contents cannot be read properly when the lid is on.

Answer 1

The reaction waste is still generating hydrogen gas that would get trapped in the container.

Explanation: The chemical waste are dangerous and should be handled with care. The reactions don't stop immediately the products is formed putting the lid gives an enabling environment for chemical reactions to proceed.

Answer 2

A) The reaction waste is still generating hydrogen gas that would get trapped in the container.