DCHAS-L Archives, Dec 19 2017 - Re: [DCHAS-L] Orange barium azide solution??

Howdy, Kristi,

The bottles are glass and the lids plastic. Interestingly, similar bottles and lids were used for another batch and they are still clear.

Sonja G. Ringen

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

National Institute of Standards and Technology

325 Broadway, MC 173.02

Boulder, CO 80305-3337

Office: 303-497-7389

Cell: 303-961-9251

From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU] On Behalf Of Kristi Ohr
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2017 6:40 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Orange barium azide solution??

Hi Sonja,

What type of material are the vacuum bottles it was stored in made from? What are the lids/seals made from?

Thanks,

Kristi

From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU] On Behalf Of Ringen, Sonja G. (Fed)
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2017 6:40 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Orange barium azide solution??

Fellow chemists, I am looking for a possible chemical explanation and safety concerns regarding a solution of barium azide in water that has turned orange. Why?

The solution of 100 gm of barium azide in 300 gm water (Pfaltz and Bauer solution) was decanted into approximately 6 smaller, vacuum-sealed bottles about 4 years ago. All solutions have been kept stored in a cabinet the whole time; i.e., they have not been exposed to light. The solution has now turned orange. There is no precipitate, and the seals appear to be intact. Has anyone experienced something similar? Any ideas for why it has turned orange, and whether or not that is hazardous are appreciated.

Sonja