2,4-DNP 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine Disposal

What is 2 4-DINITROPHENYLHYDRAZINE?

24 DNP or Brady’s Reagent is a red to orange solid. It is a substituted hydrazine, and is often used in A-Level chemistry lessons to qualitatively test for carbonyl groups associated with aldehydes and ketones.

The hydrazone derivatives can also be used as evidence toward the identity of the original compound. The melting point of the derivative is often used, with reference to a database of values, to determine the identity of a specific carbonyl compound. It is relatively sensitive to shock and friction; it is a shock explosive so care must be taken with its use. To reduce its explosive hazard, it is supplied wet.

IS DNPH Dangerous?

Due to some high profile incidents and controlled explosions at several schools, all holders of stocks of 2,4-DNP, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine are being reminded to check the storage arrangements for this chemical as per Hazcard 30.

As long as the storage guidelines has been stored correctly, this chemical is perfectly safe, but some schools are reporting the deterioration and drying out of the 2 4 DNPH over time which could produce issues.
It is very important to ensure the 2 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine is kept damp and we would also advise not storing this or any other chemistry for a period of longer than 5 years before replenishing your stocks. This period is only a guideline as in our experience containers, labels and sometimes the chemistry itself can deteriorate in time. For further advice on this please contact your manufacturer.