Potions and Poisons

Overview

Potions and Poisons blends basic chemistry of household/consumer substances with toxicology and safety data interpretation. Master identification tests, reaction patterns, and SDS literacy.

Identification and reactions

• Acids/bases: pH indicators (litmus, phenolphthalein), reactions with carbonates (CO₂ effervescence), neutralization and heat.
• Solubility: water vs organic; miscibility; density layering; polarity cues.
• Oxidizers/reducers: qualitative recognition (bleach/chlorine oxidizers, hydrogen peroxide); avoid hazardous mixes (bleach + ammonia → chloramines; bleach + acids → chlorine gas).
• Common substances: salts (NaCl, NaHCO₃, CaCO₃), sugars (reducing with Benedict’s conceptually), vinegar (acetic acid), ammonia solution, isopropyl alcohol.

Toxicology basics

• Dose–response: threshold, LD₅₀ concept (comparative, not for memorization); acute vs chronic effects.
• Routes: ingestion, inhalation, dermal; exposure duration and concentration matter.
• Symptoms: correlate agents to syndromes (solvent inhalation → CNS depression; acids/bases → burns; CO → hypoxia; organophosphates → cholinergic signs).

SDS literacy

• Sections: identification; hazards; composition; first‑aid; firefighting; accidental release; handling/storage; exposure controls/PPE; physical/chemical properties; stability/reactivity; toxicological information.
• Pictograms: corrosive, oxidizer, flammable, toxic, irritant; signal words (Danger/Warning).
• First aid and response: decontamination, dilution, airway/breathing/circulation; do not induce vomiting unless directed; consult poison control.

Worked micro‑examples

1. Household mix warning

• Cleaning bathroom with bleach and vinegar → chlorine gas risk: eye/lung irritation, coughing; response: ventilate, leave area, seek medical advice if symptoms.

2. Unknown ID plan

• Test sequence: pH → carbonate test (acid) → solubility/odor → oxidizer test (potassium iodide starch paper concept). Record observations before conclusions.

3. SDS interpretation

• Given an SDS excerpt, identify required PPE, storage temperature, incompatible materials, and first‑aid for skin exposure.

Pitfalls

• Performing unsafe tests or mixing unknowns; rely on provided reagents and rules.
• Misinterpreting indicator colors; forgetting control tests.
• Confusing concentration (w/w vs w/v) and units in SDS or labels.

Practice prompts

• Design a safe identification sequence for three clear household liquids (vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, ammonia) using pH, odor (if allowed), and solubility.
• From a mock SDS, extract hazard statements and appropriate spill response.
• Explain how to neutralize small acid vs base spills safely (scope: concept only).

References

• SciOly Wiki – Potions and Poisons: https://scioly.org/wiki/index.php/Potions_and_Poisons
• CDC/NIOSH guides on household chemical safety (summaries)