TITLE OF EXPERIMENT: CANNIZZARO REACTION OF BENZALDEHYDE

SURNAME, INITIAL & ID NUMBER: SHASHANE B. 202101195

LAB DAY: WEDNESDAY 3-6PM
EMAIL ADDRESS: 202101195@ub.ac.bw
MSDS FOR REAGENTS
1. Potassium hydroxide
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is highly corrosive, causing severe burns and irritation to
skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust or mist can lead to respiratory
irritation, while ingestion may result in gastrointestinal damage and symptoms like
nausea and vomiting. Chronic exposure can lead to respiratory issues and skin
sensitization. Proper handling with personal protective equipment and caution is
essential to prevent exposure and minimize health risks.
b) Handling and Storage
Potassium hydroxide should be handled in a well-ventilated area and stored in tightly
sealed containers away from incompatible materials. Personal protective equipment
such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat should be worn when handling to prevent skin
contact and inhalation of fumes. In case of spills, neutralize with an appropriate agent
and clean up promptly to prevent exposure.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. For eye contact, rinse eyes with water, remove contact lenses,
and continue flushing for 15 minutes. If ingested, rinse mouth and seek immediate
medical assistance. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if
symptoms persist.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Potassium hydroxide is highly reactive with water, acids, and organic materials,
generating heat and hazardous gases upon contact. It is hygroscopic, absorbing
moisture from the air and forming caustic solutions. To prevent accidents, store
potassium hydroxide away from moisture and incompatible substances. When
handling, avoid contact with water and acids to prevent violent reactions and release
of hazardous fumes.
2. Benzaldehyde
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Benzaldehyde exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It
may cause symptoms such as irritation, redness, and coughing. Prolonged or repeated
exposure may result in sensitization or dermatitis.
b) Handling and Storage
Benzaldehyde should be handled in a well-ventilated area, and contact with skin,
eyes, and clothing should be avoided. It should be stored in tightly sealed containers
away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Proper labeling and segregation from
incompatible substances are essential.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of contact with benzaldehyde, affected areas should be immediately flushed
with water. Remove contaminated clothing and seek medical attention if irritation
persists. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting, but rinse the mouth and seek
medical advice. For inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if
symptoms develop.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Benzaldehyde is stable under normal conditions but may react vigorously with
oxidizing agents and reducing agents. It is incompatible with strong acids and bases,
strong oxidizing agents, and reactive metals. Avoid contact with incompatible
substances to prevent hazardous reactions.

3. Ether
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Exposure to ether can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It may
cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure or high
concentrations can result in unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and even cardiac
arrest.
b) Handling and Storage
Ether should be handled in a well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and open
flames, as it is highly flammable. It should be stored in tightly sealed containers,
 away from oxidizing agents and strong acids. Proper labeling and segregation from
incompatible substances are necessary.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, affected areas should be immediately washed with soap and
water. For eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. If ingested, do not induce vomiting; instead, seek immediate
medical assistance. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if
symptoms persist.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Ether is highly flammable and can form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air and
light. It is incompatible with oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis. Store ether
away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances, and handle with caution
to prevent accidents and hazardous reactions.
4. Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Exposure to concentrated hydrochloric acid can cause severe irritation and burns to
the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It may result in symptoms such as redness, pain,
coughing, and difficulty breathing. Inhalation of vapors can lead to pulmonary edema
and respiratory distress. Ingestion can cause corrosive damage to the mouth, throat,
and gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
b) Handling and Storage
Concentrated hydrochloric acid should be handled in a well-ventilated area, wearing
appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. It
should be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from heat, moisture, and
incompatible substances such as strong oxidizing agents and alkalis. Proper labeling
and segregation from other chemicals are necessary.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, immediately rinse the affected area with water for at least 15
minutes and remove contaminated clothing. For eye contact, flush the eyes with water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If ingested, do not induce
 vomiting, but rinse the mouth with water and seek immediate medical assistance. If
inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Concentrated hydrochloric acid is highly reactive and corrosive. It reacts violently
with water to release heat and form hydrochloric acid vapors. It is incompatible with
strong oxidizing agents, alkalis, and reactive metals, leading to hazardous reactions.
Store and handle concentrated hydrochloric acid with caution to prevent accidents
and ensure compatibility with other substances in the storage area.

5. Magnesium Sulphate
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Exposure to magnesium sulfate can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
It may result in symptoms such as redness, itching, and coughing. Ingestion of large
amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
However, magnesium sulfate is generally considered to have low toxicity.
b) Handling and Storage
Magnesium sulfate should be handled with care to avoid skin and eye contact. It should
be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible substances such as strong acids
and bases. Proper labeling and segregation from other chemicals are necessary to prevent
accidents.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, wash the affected area with soap and water. For eye contact, flush
the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
If ingested, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms develop. In case
of inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Magnesium sulfate is stable under normal conditions but may react with strong acids and
bases to form magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. It is incompatible with alkalis
and should not be mixed with them. Store magnesium sulfate away from incompatible
substances and handle it with care to prevent reactions and accidents.
6. Benzoic Acid
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Benzoic acid can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon contact
or inhalation. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and irritation.
Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in skin sensitization.
b) Handling and Storage
Handling and Storage: Handle benzoic acid with care, wearing appropriate personal
protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. Store it in a cool, dry place away
from incompatible substances and sources of ignition.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, wash the affected area with soap and water. For eye contact,
flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If ingested, rinse mouth and drink water. Seek medical attention if
symptoms develop. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if
breathing difficulties occur.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Benzoic acid is stable under normal conditions but may react with strong oxidizing
agents. It is incompatible with strong bases and reducing agents. Avoid contact with
incompatible materials to prevent hazardous reactions.
7. Benzyl alcohol
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
Benzyl alcohol can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon
contact or inhalation. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea.
Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in skin sensitization and respiratory issues.
b) Handling and Storage
Handle benzyl alcohol with care, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
such as gloves and goggles. Store it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat,
sparks, and open flames.
c) First Aid Measures
In case of skin contact, wash the affected area with soap and water. For eye contact,
flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical attention if
 irritation persists. If ingested, rinse mouth and drink water. Seek medical attention if
symptoms develop. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if
breathing difficulties occur.
d) Stability and Reactivity
Benzyl alcohol is stable under normal conditions but may react with strong oxidizing
agents. It is incompatible with strong acids and alkalis. Avoid contact with
incompatible materials to prevent hazardous reactions.