The crystals (if they are really present, of course) can can detonate all by themselves. Inside a metal can with a relatively narrow opening, this could produce some serious shrapnel. See here: http://home.cyberave.com/~rhr/ether.htm They might be good folks to talk to about this. Additional pictures and information about peroxides is available here: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/peroxide.html Rob Toreki >Scenario: Ethyl ether in metal container that is over 10 years old. >Peroxide content unknown. Container is empty (<3%) to the best of our >knowledge. Cap is clear plastic with no visible signs of peroxides. >Understand that peroxides can concentrate as the ether evaporates. > >Setting: High school chemical storage room. Lab pack team has been in >to pack chemicals and left the ethyl ether behind because of its >potential explosiveness. > >Questions: How dangerous is this empty can? Does it have to be treated >as a hazardous waste? Our understanding is that the peroxide crystals >themselves do not have considerable detonation force without the >contents of the ether. The ether acts as the fuel for the explosion. >Can the empty container go in the normal trash. > >Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. We have been struggling >with this issue; how to deal with legacy empty ether containers. -- ===================================================== Safety Emporium - Lab & Safety Supplies featuring brand names you know and trust. Visit us at http://www.SafetyEmporium.com esales**At_Symbol_Here**safetyemporium.com or toll-free: (866) 326-5412 Fax: (859) 523-0606, 4905 Waynes Blvd, Lexington, KY 40513-1469
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