Solvent Stills: Procedure for Set-Up Use, and Neutralization

Although the procedures for purifying laboratory chemicals are inherently safe, care must be exercised if hazards are to be avoided. Solvent distillation equipment in which flammable liquids are purified by distillation with reactive metals or metal hydrides such as Na, K, CaH2, or LiAlH4 are possibly the greatest danger in any organic chemistry laboratory. The potential fire and explosion hazards associated with the combination of air- and/or water-reactive metals with large amounts of organic solvents are great and the effects on personnel and equipment can be catastrophic. The chances of personnel escaping such an incident unharmed are very low.

Consider using alternative solvent purification systems and methods before proceeding (see column purification method below for a procedure that avoids all heat and distillation).