Summary: The risks associated with the use of laboratory chemicals must be well understood prior to their use in an experiment. As many chemicals have multiple hazards, ensure to review the safety guidance for all hazard classes that may apply.

Definition:
Highly reactive or unstable materials are those that have the potential to vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, temperature, light, or contact with another material. Major types of highly reactive chemicals are explosives, peroxides, water-reactives, and pyrophorics.

Examples:

• Explosives: Lead azide, Nitroglycerin
• Peroxide formers: Isopropyl ether, Sodium amide, Ethyl ether, Styrene
• Water Reactives: Alkali Metals (Lithium, sodium, potassium), Calcium carbide
• Pyrophorics: Grignard Reagents (RMgX), Metal powders (e.g., A1, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pd).