A Publication
of Reliable Methods
for the Preparation
of Organic Compounds
Working with Hazardous Chemicals
The procedures in Organic Syntheses are intended for use only by persons with proper
training in experimental organic chemistry. All hazardous materials should be handled
using the standard procedures for work with chemicals described in references such as
"Prudent Practices in the Laboratory" (The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C.,
2011; the full text can be accessed free of charge at
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654). All chemical waste should be
disposed of in accordance with local regulations. For general guidelines for the
management of chemical waste, see Chapter 8 of Prudent Practices.
In some articles in Organic Syntheses, chemical-specific hazards are highlighted in red
“Caution Notes” within a procedure. It is important to recognize that the absence of a
caution note does not imply that no significant hazards are associated with the chemicals
involved in that procedure. Prior to performing a reaction, a thorough risk assessment
should be carried out that includes a review of the potential hazards associated with each
chemical and experimental operation on the scale that is planned for the procedure.
Guidelines for carrying out a risk assessment and for analyzing the hazards associated
with chemicals can be found in Chapter 4 of Prudent Practices.
The procedures described in Organic Syntheses are provided as published and are
conducted at one's own risk. Organic Syntheses, Inc., its Editors, and its Board of
Directors do not warrant or guarantee the safety of individuals using these procedures and
hereby disclaim any liability for any injuries or damages claimed to have resulted from or
related in any way to the procedures herein.
These paragraphs were added in September 2014. The statements above do not supersede any specific
hazard caution notes and safety instructions included in the procedure.
