Australia's Science Forum

Hi all,

If in the CSIS Package it is telling me to "Neutralise" a chemical, what do i do?

Does it depend on the chemical?

First chemical i looked up for disposal.....Acetic Acid. Says neutralise before disposing down the sink.

Neutralise with what and how?

Please help!!

Add universal indicator to the solution to be neutralised. See what the pH is. If the solution is an acid with a low pH (1-6) add an alkali to make the pH 7 and if it's a base (pH 8-13) add some acid to make it pH 7

For example, 0.1M HCl solution pH about 1. Add universal indicator. Add NaOH until the solution becomes green -pH 7 (neutral).
0.1 NaOH solution pH about 10. Add universal indicator. Add HCl until the solution becomes green - pH7 (neutral).

Once it is neutral it can be poured down the sink.

Thank you so much AnnNos!!

I neutralise acids with sodium carbonate. A bit gentler to use than NaOH. I add Na2CO3 until it stops fizzing then flush down the sink.

Thanks Lorrae. That sounds easy enough.

We also use the cheap Sodium Carbonate, as we go through so much, for Neutralising. Best way to go.

Hi Guys,
I am New in this field.
How do I track the CSIS Package?
Can someone give me the exact website.
Thanks
Regards

sonia are you independant or DET school?