Related and Compatible Chemical Storage Groups

Inorganic Family

Organic Family

Metals, hydrides

Acids, anhydrides, peracides

Halides, sulfates, sulfites, thiosulfates, phosphates

Alcohols, glycols, amines, amides, imines, imides

Halogens

Hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes

Amides, nitrates (except ammonium nitrates), nitrites, azides

Ethers, ketones, ketenes, halogenated hydrocarbons, ethylene oxide

Hydroxides, oxides, silicates, carbonates, carbon

Peroxides, hydroperoxides, azides

Sulfides, selenides, phosphides, carbides, nitrides

Epoxy compounds, isocyanates

Chlorates, perchlorates, perchloric acid, chlorites,

Peroxides, hydroperoxides, azides

hypochlorites, peroxides, hydrogen

Sulfides, polysulfides, sulfoxides, nitrites

Arsenates, cyanides, cyanates

Phenols, cresols

Borates, chromates, manganates, permanganates

Nitric acid, and other inorganic acids

Sulfur, phosphorous, arsenic, phosphorous pentoxide

NOTE: Store flammables in a storage cabinet for flammable liquids or in safety cans. Separate chemicals into their organic families and these related and compatible groups, as shown. Separation of chemical groups can be by different shelves within the same cabinet. DO NOT store chemicals alphabetically as a general group. This may result in incompatibles appearing together on a shelf. Rather, store alphabetically within a compatible group. This listing is only a suggested method of arranging chemical materials for storage and is not intended to be complete.

SOURCE: National Research Council. 1995. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.