Phenyl Hydrate spill

[roro]

Our customer has a small spillage that has eaten the carpet (nylon). We will cut out and do a bonded insert but would like to neutralise. I was thinking sodium perborate or a diluted hypochlorite.

However I came across this on one msd that I looked at
"INCOMPATIBLES: STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS, STRONG BASES, ALKALIES,CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE"

Any chemists who can advise if I am on the right lines or a suitable solution.

roro

 

[Shawn Forsythe]

If we are talking Carbolic Acid, which is a common Phenyl (phenol) Hydrate, the theoretically you could neutralize with Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate). However, Carbolic Acid is a poison that I would not rely upon any chemical neutralization to render harmless. Dispose of any materials that have been contaminated as per your particular regulations concerning hazmat.

If the amount of the spill is significant, consult with a hazmat disposal specialist. Don't messa round with anything that is potentially vapor harmful, which this might very well be.

 

[leesenter]

Bleach is an oxidizer.

 

[roro]

Re: Phenyl Hydrate spill & superman?

Thanks guys.

Here is some interesting comments that I received back from another source.

"Apparently th Phenol (carbolic acid) , as I understand it, is a fairly important component in the manufacture of Nylon. One article I know of has shown a link between the hydrophobic bonding between the solution and the nylon polymer, which means the fundamental molecular integrity of 6,6 grade nylon can be broken by various concentrates of Phenol.

In addition Phenol has a slightly higher acidity than most chemical solvents. This can be shown in just how caustic it can be to human skin and why it is carefully used as an antiseptic.

Whilst nylon generally is very resistant to damage by things like solutions of hydrochloric acid and even petroleum based solvents, Phenol happens to be the one ‘kryptonite’ to nylon.

Repairing it is necessary (but is easily done – cookie cutter method, and the joins can be chem-welded and should not be too visible) and in general care should be taken to try not to spill it on the Powerbond."


By the way the spillage was from a surgeon who was using it to burn a hole in skin before inserting a grommet - Yuck. thathurts

roro