Chemistry's Cautionary Chronicles: April 2025
Chemistry's Cautionary Chronicles
April 2025
Lauren Deem, BS Chemistry, GW Stockroom Lab Assistant
Newsletter in printable and sharable format
From Byproducts to Bomb Products
by: Faith Mwangi (BS Neuroscience '25) & Annie Myshak (BS Chemistry '24)
In early 2023, six locations on the University of Delaware (UD) campus in Newark, DE were shut down and evacuated after a safety-related incident in a chemistry lab.[1] Reportedly, a researcher accidentally produced a small amount of a shock-sensitive explosive—believed to be triacetone triperoxide (TATP)—as a reaction byproduct.[2] Shock-sensitive chemicals like TATP have the potential to explode when exposed to shock, heat, or friction making them especially hazardous to handle.[3]
'You should do your best to avoid bringing in the bomb squad to your own lab!'
Byproducts are substances that are formed alongside the desired products. They often result from side reactions, secondary pathways, or incomplete conversion of reactants, and can pose risks if the chemist is unaware of the potential hazards. Often referred to as the “Mother of Satan” due to its potency and ease of synthesis, TATP has gained a notorious reputation as a key ingredient in “homemade” explosive devices. Its dangers were tragically underscored in the 2005 London Bombings, which killed 52 people and injured more than700.[4] TATP decomposes in an entropic explosion—it undergoes a large change in volume without releasing a large amount of heat—making it all the more unpredictable. Shockingly, the ingredients to make TATP can be found in most wet chemistry labs. This incident serves as a reminder that your role as an experimenter is to not only test and observe but conduct experiments and handle chemicals in a safe manner.
The Delaware State Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit came to the university to perform a controlled detonation, drawing in a large crowd of student observers.[1] In a controlled detonation, experts use various techniques to ensure that the explosion occurs predictably and within a designated area. This may involve using specialized explosives as well as other structures to mitigate the explosions impact and maintain the safety of others. The EOD unit is typically employed by military and law enforcement agencies for the disposal of confiscated explosives or, in the case of the UD incident, neutralizing unexploded bombs. You should do your best to avoid bringing in the bomb squad to your own lab! Fortunately, no one was injured or harmed in this incident, with the campus fully reopening the next day. This incident serves as a clear reminder to carefully plan all chemical experiments and approach them with caution. Anticipating side products can be the difference between a successful experiment and a hazardous situation. For more information on how to recognize hazards and assess risks in chemical reactions, please visit the ACS Center for Lab Safety.[5]
Daily Reminders
Always check your chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets
- Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations in your laboratory
Lessons Learned: Safety Tips and Insights from the Chemistry Stockroom Assistants
Clean Bench, Safe Science
“Keeping the workbench tidy and organized is the best way to conduct experiments. This helps avoid unwanted spills and accidentally breaking glassware.” - Faith M.
One Glove Isn't Always Enough
“When working with strong acids or bases, always double-glove! It gives you that extra layer of protection against burns and can be a lifesaver if the outer glove tears. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping you safe.” - Ann B.
Your Eyes Called--They Want Goggles
“When in doubt, always wear your safety goggles, especially when you are in the lab. Even if you are only working with glassware, you never know—it could break, and you could end up with glass in your eyes, making for a very long day.” – Emily U.
Don't Let Contamination Walk Out with You
“Don’t wear gloves when touching door handles. Always remove your gloves before touching door handles. It may seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference. In a chemistry lab, door handles are not only high-touch surfaces but can also carry chemical residue from our gloves, which can contaminate the space or spread harmful substances.” - Hassan I.
What's in That Flask?
“Something highly emphasized by my high school chemistry teacher is the importance of labeling your glassware. Labeling your glassware can help minimize the possibilities of mixing your chemicals up and cross-contaminating your work.” - Brasen A.
Be Ready Before It's Urgent
“Save emergency contacts like EMeRG and GWPD on your phone! Emergency services must be called for cases of serious injuries! Inform authorities of the location, injuries, and any substances involved. You never know when you or someone you know might accidentally get injured in your lab. Help yourself and help those around you!” - Rhea S.
Fast Hands, Costly Mistakes
“When conducting an experiment, it is important to pour reagents slowly and always double check your measurements to make sure you don’t waste any materials! This will help you to avoid potential mistakes.” - Aven B.
WOrd Scramble
Unscramble the letters to form a meaningful safety or chemistry related word.
1. esubn rneubr
2. iytxcoti
3. pteeipt
4. merotrehtom
5. yee hswa sotinta
6. ihra iet
Connections
Use the list of words below to make 4 categories of 4 words:
corrosive
lab coat
solid
flammable
hydrolysis
organic
goggles
explosive
heavy metal salt
closed toe shoes
oxidizer
precipitation
reduction
aqueous
gloves
neutralization
Events and More
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events, but check out these helpful lab safety videos in the meantime:
Important Contacts
GW Police: 202-994-6111
Non-emergency: 202-994-6110
Environmental Health & Safety: (202) 994-4347 or [email protected]
Office of Emergency Management: (202) 994-4936 or [email protected]
Chemistry Stockroom: (202) 994-6582
Special thanks to Brasen A., Ann B., Aven B., Lauren D., Hassan I.,
Annie M., Faith M., Rhea S., and Emily U. for your contributions to this issue!