CAMEO Chemicals - A Tool for Simulating Chemical Incompatibilities

Chemicals within the same hazard class are usually said to be compatible.  Storing chemicals on the basis of compatibility prevents cross-reactions (some of which may be violent) between incompatible chemicals. Cross-reactions can occur with leaky or broken containers or from fugitive emissions through imperfect container seals.  However, some chemicals within the same hazard class can be incompatible, which complicates storage decisions.

Determining incompatibilities between chemicals can be difficult because in these cases of differing reactivities of chemicals in the same hazard class.  One can use the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to identify any incompatibilities known to the manufacturer of the chemical, but caution is needed, because not all incompatibilities may be listed on the SDS.

Another good source for determining incompatibilities is Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards (National Academies Press, 2011), which is available free to read online.  Many lists of chemical incompatibilities are also available online.

You can also simulate mixing chemicals to determine compatibility using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tool called CAMEO Chemicals. The results are printable, and a mobile version is available in your mobile provider’s App store.