Air sensitivity

Air sensitivity is a term used, particularly in chemistry, to denote the reactivity of chemical compounds with some constituent of air. Most often, reactions occur with atmospheric oxygen (O₂) or water vapor (H₂O),^[1] although reactions with the other constituents of air such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂) are also possible.

The range of methods used to work with air-sensitive compounds are known as air-free techniques. Two main methods exist — gloveboxes and Schlenk lines. Gloveboxes are sealed cabinets filled with an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen.^[2] Normal laboratory equipment can be set up and manipulated through the use of the gloves. A Schlenk line is a vacuum and inert-gas dual-manifold that allows glassware to be evacuated and refilled with inert gas.

See also

• Pyrophoricity

References