Hazmat Chemistry Prep Class

STUDENT HANDOUT 

HAZMAT CHEMISTRY PREP CLASS 

Hazmat Chemistry Prep Class 

Continuing Challenge 2005 

Taught by 

Jill Meryl Levy • Firebelle Productions 

Continuing Challenge 2005 Page © 2005-2006 Firebelle Productions



Introduction 

Overall Goals for the Hazmat Chemistry Prep Class 

• To give you an overview of what you’ll learn in a hazmat chemistry class. 

• To give you an idea of what you can expect to see on the final exam - and to help give you confidence 

that you can do well on the test. 

Course Content 

Dispelling Test Anxiety 

• Factors That Drive the Test Questions 

• Tips for Preparing for the Test 

• Sample Test Questions 

Overview of Hazmat Chemistry 

• Terms and Definitions 

• Elements and Compounds 

• Salts 

• Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon Derivatives 

• Hazmat Chemistry According to the DOT Hazard Classes 

• Hazmat Chemistry in Some Real World Applications 

Expectations for the Class 

Course content for this hazmat chemistry prep class will be presented in a simplified format. We won’t go 

into great depth. We’ll focus on generalizations, not exceptions. And we’ll only “sample” topics, not cover 

them in full. Our focus will be on concepts more than chemistry. The goal is to build a foundation you can 

lean on later and to help you know what to study and how to prepare for the final exam. 

Contents of This Handout 

The majority of this handout contains sample test questions similar to what you’ll see on the final exam in 

a full hazmat chemistry class. At first glance, many of these questions may appear very intimidating, especially 

if you’ve had limited exposure to chemistry in school. However, by the end of this hazmat chemistry 

prep class, you should be able to answer every one of these questions with relative ease. 

Each topic starts with a brief list of key things to know about the topic. We won’t cover all of these points 

in this four-hour class, but they will be part of your training in a complete hazmat chemistry course. The 

sample questions that follow are the same questions you’ll see on the slides in this class. You’re encouraged 

to write the answers in your handout and to make notes that might be helpful to you. 

Disclaimer 

Many of the sample questions in this handout were written by author Jill Meryl Levy in 2002 for her book 

entitled Hazmat Chemistry Study Guide. These questions were designed to be similar to those used in the 

final exam for the California Specialized Training Institute’s (CSTI) Hazmat Chemistry class. They will also 

be similar to those used in other classes throughout the country. However, every effort was made to avoid 

duplicating those test questions and compromising the integrity of CSTI’s test. 




Introduction (continued) 

Why Knowledge of Hazmat Chemistry Is Valuable 

Most of the time, we’re going to rely on our reference sources out in the field rather than try to remember all 

the chemistry you learn in class. However, understanding hazmat chemistry can help you in many ways: 

• It gives you something to fall back on when your reference sources aren’t immediately available. 

• It helps you understand and interpret the information you find when looking through your reference 

sources. 

Example: Anhydrous ammonia is placarded as a nonflammable gas, but with a flammable range of 

16% to 25%, it can indeed ignite under the right conditions. 

Example: Sarin is described as being “volatile,” but with a vapor pressure of only 2.1 mmHg at 

68˚F/20˚C, the liquid is relatively slow to vaporize. 

• It helps you recognize errors in reference books. 

• It helps you make judgment calls when reference sources disagree. 

• It will enable you interpret results of atmospheric monitoring and field identification testing with more 

confidence, especially when faced with an unknown hazardous material. 

For More Information ... the Hazmat Chemistry Study Guide 

This hazmat chemistry prep class and the handout material you’ve received were developed from the Hazmat 

Chemistry Study Guide by Jill Meryl Levy. That book contains an overview of the topics normally taught in 

a full hazmat chemistry class, many more sample questions, and an answer key to all the questions. It’s 

another excellent tool to help you learn hazmat chemistry and study for the final exam. 

Comments and Suggestions Are Welcome 

I welcome your comments and suggestions. When you take a complete hazmat chemistry class, if you find 

that this prep course really helped you, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Your input will help future 

students. 

Jill Meryl Levy 

Author / Publisher 

Firebelle Productions 

2 Timber Cove Drive, Campbell, California 95008 

Phone: (408) 866-2081 (after 8:30 a.m. California time please) 

Fax: (408) 866-6108 

Email: jill@firebelleproductions.com 

www.firebelleproductions.com 




Introduction and Dispelling Test Anxiety 

Key Things to Know 

The following are some things you can do to prepare for a test and help dispell test anxiety: 

• Be familiar with the regulations and standards (particularly NFPA 472) that drive test questions. 

• Ask your instructor what you need to know to succeed in class and to function safely and effectively in 

the real world. 

• Use the resources in your student manual (worksheets, exercises, chapter review questions, sample test 

questions). If the student manual doesn’t contain sample test questions, ask your instructor to present 

some. 

• Expect some vocabulary questions (terms and definitions), but plan for questions that require you to 

apply the information. 

• Ask your instructor if the test contains questions known to be problematic: 

• Questions about outdated (or wrong) information. 

• Questions that are badly written or difficult to understand. 

• Questions frequently misinterpreted by students. 

• Questions about trivia that students won’t normally think to study. 

• Pay attention to errors, mistakes, or misconceptions that arise in class. 

• Aim for demonstrating a higher level of proficiency. 

• Focus on concepts more so than chemicals. 

Sample Test Questions 

1. Which of the following is a diatomic gas? 

a. CO 

b. CO 2 

c. Cl 2 

d. CH 4 

2. Which of the following will produce the most gas and endanger the largest area? 

a. Liquid Hydrogen (expansion ratio 848 to 1) 

b. Liquefied Natural Gas (expansion ratio 635 to 1) 

c. Liquid Nitrogen (expansion ratio 694 to 1) 

d. Liquid Propane (expansion ratio 270 to 1) 

3. Which of the following hydrocarbon derivatives are toxic and flammable with wide flammable ranges? 

a. Alcohols 

b. Glycols 

c. Glycerols 

d. Organic Peroxides 

4. A polymerization reaction is best described as one that: 

a. Is highly toxic 

b. Generates heat 

c. Involves rapid expansion as a hazardous material reacts with itself 

d. Results in fire when a hazardous material oxidizes upon exposure to air 




Introduction and Dispelling Test Anxiety (continued) 

5. Which of the following materials are most prone to runaway polymerization? 

a. Oxidizers 

b. Organic peroxides 

c. Cryogenic liquids 

d. Dangerous when wet materials 

6. Which of the following measures is an example of how to prevent polymerization reactions? 

a. Preventing water from coming in contact with salts. 

b. Avoiding filling a compressed gas cylinder too quickly. 

c. Avoiding applying a water stream to the hot surface of burning oil. 

d. Protecting organic peroxides from heat, friction, and contamination. 

7. What is generally the greatest risk associated with organic peroxides? 

a. They are very toxic. 

b. They are strong oxidizers that will fuel a fire. 

c. They are flammable and unstable, similar to explosives. 

d. They are highly unpredictable. 

8. A normal atmosphere contains approximately _____ oxygen. 

a. 19% 

b. 20% 

c. 21% 

d. 22% 

9. You get a reading of 20% oxygen (almost a 1% drop from normal). How much of a displacing gas 

(contaminant) is likely to be present? 

a. 1% 

b. 3% 

c. 5% 

d. 7% 

10. You get a reading of 20.5% oxygen in an atmosphere suspected to contain acetone vapors. Acetone 

has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 2.5% and an upper explosive limit (UEL) of 12.8%). What do these 

initial oxgen readings suggest? 

a. The acetone concentration may be below the LEL. 

b. The acetone concentration may be within the flammable range. 

c. The acetone concentration may be above the UEL. 

d. The initial readings do not provide any information that can be used to predict flammability. 

11. Which of the following has the highest vapor pressure? 

a. C 3 

H 8 

b. C 4 

H 10 

c. C 5 

H 12 

d. C 6 

H 14 




Introduction and Dispelling Test Anxiety (continued) 


a. Propane 

b. Butane 

c. Pentane 

d. Hexane 

13. Which of the following compounds is a salt? 

a. Methyl Chloride 

b. Sodium Cyanide 

c. Vinyl Acetate 

d. Hydrogen Peroxide 

14. Which of the following compounds is a nonsalt? 

a. Sodium Hypochlorite 

b. Potassium Permanganate 

c. Lithium Bromate 

d. Methyl Cyanide 

15. Which of the following compounds is a salt? 

a. H 2 

O 2 

b. CH 3 

OC 2 

H 5 

c. CaSO 4 

d. CH 3 

CN 

16. Which of the following compounds is a nonsalt? 

a. CaC 2 

b. KCN 

c. C 2 

H 3 

OH 

d. NaClO 

17. CH 3 

COCH 3 

is a/an: 

a. Ketone 

b. Aldehyde 

c. Ester 

d. Organic Acid 

18. Which of the following is an aldehyde? 

a. CH 3 

COCH 3 

b. CH 3 

COOCH 3 

c. CH 3 

COOH 

d. CH 3 

CHO 

19. Which of the following formulas represents methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)? 

a. CH 3 

COCH 3 

b. CH 3 

COOH 

c. CH 3 

COC 2 

H 5 

d. CH 3 

O 2 

C 2 

H 5 




Terms and Definitions 


You’ll be introduced to a number of new terms and definitions in your hazmat chemistry class. Key things 

to know about them include: 

• What the terms mean (basic definitions) 

• How these terms and definitions relate to what we’re expected to know and do in the field. 

• How these terms and definitions relate to hazmat chemistry. 

For the purpose of this class, we’ll cover the following topics in brief. This will provide a sampling of what 

you’ll be expected to know about terms and definitions in a full hazmat chemistry class. 

• Vapor Pressure 

• Vapor Density 

• Flash Point 

• Flammable Range 


1. The majority of hazmat injuries are due to: 

a. Absorption 

b. Inhalation 

c. Ingestion 

d. Injection 

2. Vapor pressure is normally measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at _____ at sea level. 

a. 0˚F/-18˚C 

b. 32˚F/0˚C 

c. 68˚F/20˚C 

d. 77˚F/25˚C 

3. Which of the following is most volatile? 

a. Sulfuric acid (vapor pressure 0.001 mmHg) 

b. Sarin (vapor pressure 2.1 mmHg) 

c. Turpentine (vapor pressure 4 mmHg) 

d. Isopropyl alcohol (vapor pressure 33 mmHg) 


a. C 3 

H 8 

b. C 4 

H 10 

c. C 5 

H 12 

d. C 6 

H 14 

5. Which of the following statements is most accurate? 

a. Most gases are lighter than air. 

b. All vapors are lighter than air. 

c. Most gases are heavier than air. 

d. All gases and vapors are heavier than air. 




Terms and Definitions (continued) 

6. Which of the following is likely to dissipate fastest? 

a. Methane (vapor density 0.553) 

b. Chlorine (vapor density 2.47) 

c. Phosgene (vapor density 3.48) 

d. Carbon monoxide (vapor density 0.97) 

7. Flash point is the: 

a. Minimum temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture in 

air. 

b. Temperature at which enough vapors are given off to support continuous burning even after the 

source of ignition has been removed. 

c. Minimum temperature required to cause self-sustained combustion independent of an ignition 

source. 

d. Temperature at which vapor pressure of the substance is equal to or slightly greater than atmospheric 

pressure. 

8. Which property is generally considered to be the most important property when assessing the hazards 

of flammable and combustible liquids? 

a. Flash point 

b. Flammable range 

c. Ignition temperature 

d. Vapor pressure 

9. Which of the following would be considered the most flammable (assuming all are within their flammable 

ranges)? 

a. Octane (flash point 56˚F) 

b. Isopropyl alcohol (flash point 53˚F) 

c. Acetone (flash point 0˚F) 

d. Isopropyl ether (flash point -12˚F) 

10. Which of the following is likely to present the greatest potential for ignition? 

a. Ammonia (LEL 16%, UEL 25%) 

b. Ethylene oxide (LEL 3%, UEL 100%) 

c. Methyl alcohol (LEL 6%, UEL 36%) 

d. Pentane (LEL 1.5%, UEL 7.8%) 

11. Uncontrolled or runaway polymerization causes container failure primarily because the containers: 

a. Aren’t rated for polymers 

b. Can’t tolerate the heat generated by the reaction 

c. Are not chemically compatible with the new compound generated 

d. Can’t tolerate the overpressurization that results when the monomers expand 

12. What type of compounds are typically prone to polymerization reactions? 

a. Compounds comprised of metal elements bonded to nonmetal elements (salts) 

b. Hydrocarbon derivatives with double bonds between carbon and oxygen atoms 

c. Hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives with multiple bonds between carbon atoms 

d. Gases that exist as a molecule of two identical atoms (diatomic gases) 




Elements and Compounds 


Understanding about elements and compounds provides a necessary foundation for hazmat chemistry. Key 

things to know include: 

• The major classifications of matter 

• How to distinguish between: 

• Pure substances and mixtures 

• Elements and compounds 

• Metals and nonmetals 

• Salts and nonsalts 

• Organics and inorganics 

• Hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives 

• How symbols are used to represent elements 

• What information can be found on a periodic table of elements 

• Four significant families identified on the periodic table 

• What groups they are and the name for each group or family 

• Common elements within them 

• Common characteristics shared by the elements within each family 

• The make-up of an atom 

• The relation between the structure of an atom and chemical bonding 

• The Octet/Duet Rule 

• The three types of bonds (ionic, covalent, resonant) 

The Hazmat Chemistry Quick Reference Card that you’ll receive as a separate handout in this class contains 

a copy of the periodic table of elements and will be very helpful to you in your hazmat chemistry class. 


1. Which of the following is an element? 

a. Ca 

b. CO 

c. CO 2 

d. HCl 

2. Which of the following elements is a metal? 

a. Carbon 

b. Chlorine 

c. Hydrogen 

d. Sodium 

3. Which of the following is a salt? 

a. H 2 

O 2 

b. CH 3 

OC 2 

H 5 

c. CaSO 4 

d. CH 3 

CN 




Elements and Compounds (continued) 

4. Which of the following is an organic compound? 

a. CaO 

b. CH 4 

c. H 2 

O 

d. NaCl 

5. Which of the following is a plain hydrocarbon? 

a. CHCl 3 

b. C 3 

H 8 

c. C 3 

H 5 

(OH) 3 

d. KCN 

6. Group I on the periodic table represents the: 

a. Transition metals 

b. Alkali metals 

c. Alkaline earth metals 

d. Halogens 

7. Which of the following lists contains only alkaline earth metals? 

a. Aluminum, iron, mercury 

b. Potassium, sodium, magnesium 

c. Beryllium, calcium, magnesium 

d. Sodium, potassium, lithium 

8. Which of the following groups contains powerful oxidizers that will support combustion? 

a. Group I 

b. Group II 

c. Group VII 

d. Group VIII 

9. Which characteristic most influences chemical bonding: 

a. The number of electrons in the outer shell 

b. The total number of electrons in all shells 

c. The number of protons in the nucleus 

d. The number of neutrons in the nucleus 

10. Phosphorus has ____ outer shell electrons. 

a. 2 

b. 4 

c. 5 

d. 6 

Continuing Challenge 2005 Page 10 © 2005-2006 Firebelle Productions



Elements and Compounds (continued) 

11. Which of the following is inert? 

a. Chlorine 

b. Hydrogen 

c. Neon 

d. Carbon 

12. Which of the following contains an ionic bond? 

a. MgO 

b. Cl 2 

c. CO 2 

d. CCl 4 

13. Which of the following contains only covalent bonds? 

a. KNO 3 

b. CaCO 3 

c. CaO 2 

d. CH 3 

Cl 

14. Which of the following is balanced (has all available bonding sites filled)? 

a. C 2 

H 5 

b. C 2 

H 3 

c. C 3 

H 7 

d. C 3 

H 8 

15. If the molecular formula for octane is C 8 

H 18 

, the molecular formula for iso-octane is: 

a. C 8 

H 18 

b. C 8 

H 10 

c. C 8 

H 8 

d. C 10 

H 18 




Salts 


Salts is one of the major classifications of hazardous materials. Key things to know include: 

• The difference between salts and nonsalts 

• The composition of salts 

• The different types of salts 

• How to recognize salts by name and formula 

• Common characteristics of salts 

Due to time constraints, this hazmat chemistry prep class will look only briefly at the topic of salts. However, 

what you’ll learn in this segment will give you a good idea of what to expect in a full hazmat chemistry 

class. 


a “cheat sheet” that will also be a big help to you as you go through your hazmat chemistry class. 


1. Which of the following is a nonsalt? 

a. CaC 2 

b. KCN 

c. C 2 

H 5 

OH 

d. NaClO 

2. Most salts have names ending in: 

a. -ade 

b. -ate 

c. -ide 

d. -ite 


a. Iron Oxide 

b. Lithium Sulfide 

c. Potassium Peroxide 

d. Vinyl Cyanide 

4. Which of the following is a metal hydroxide salt? 

a. NaOH 

b. CH 3 

OH 

c. MgO 

d. Na 2 

O 2 

5. Na 2 

O is a/an: 

a. Binary Salt 

b. Oxysalt 

c. Metal Cyanide 

d. Metal Oxide 




Salts (continued) 

6. Na 2 

O 2 

is the formula for: 

a. Sodium Oxide 

b. Sodium Peroxide 

c. Sodium Hydroxide 

d. Disodium Peroxide 

7. Which of the following react with acids to produce toxic hydrogen cyanide gas? 

a. Binary Salts 

b. Metal Oxides 

c. Metal Hydroxides 

d. Metal Cyanides 

8. Which of the following produces a caustic solution, heat, and oxygen gas when mixed with water? 

a. Binary Salts 

b. Metal Peroxides 

c. Metal Oxysalts 

d. Metal Hydroxides 


a. Calcium Carbonate 

b. Potassium Nitrate 

c. Sodium Hypochlorite 

d. Vinyl Acetate 

10. Which of the following is an oxysalt? 

a. K 2 

O 2 

b. KCN 

c. KOH 

d. KNO 3 

11. If the formula for sodium chloride is NaCl, what is the formula for sodium fluoride? 

a. NaF 

b. NaF 2 

c. Na 2 

F 

12. The formula for lithium sulfide is: 

a. LiS 

b. Li 2 

S 

c. LiS 2 

13. If the formula for sodium cyanide is NaCN, what is the formula for potassium cyanide? 

a. KCN 

b. KCN 2 

c. K(CN) 2 

d. K 2 

CN 




Salts (continued) 

14. The formula for potassium peroxide is: 

a. KO 

b. KO 2 

c. K 2 

O 

d. K 2 

O 2 

15. Potassium nitrate is a/an: 

a. Binary Salt 

b. Metal Oxide Salt 

c. Metal Peroxide Salt 

d. Oxysalt 

16. The formula for sodium perchlorate is: 

a. NaClO 

b. NaClO 2 

c. NaClO 3 

d. NaClO 4 




Hydrocarbons 


Understanding hydrocarbons is a very important part of hazmat chemistry. You will build on this knowledge 

when you later learn about hydrocarbon radicals and hydrocarbon derivatives. Key things to know 

include: 

• The four types of hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatics) 

• What distinguishes the four types 

• Common characteristics of all hydrocarbons 

• Characteristics associated with each type 

• Names and formulas 

• Endings and prefixes used to name hydrocarbons 

• The generic formulas for each type of hydrocarbon 

• The effect of molecular size on important chemical and physical properties 


1. Which of the following hydrocarbons is characterized by a double bond between carbon atoms? 

a. Alkane 

b. Alkene 

c. Alkyne 

d. Aromatic 

2. Which of the following hydrocarbon types is highly unstable and could explode? 

a. Alkane 

b. Alkene 

c. Alkyne 

d. Aromatic 

3. Which of the following groups includes some saturated hydrocarbons? 

a. Alkanes 

b. Alkenes 

c. Alkynes 

d. Aromatics 

4. Which of the following is an alkane? 

a. Octane 

b. Benzene 

c. Propyne 

d. Ethene 

5. Which of the following compounds has five carbon atoms? 

a. Propane 

b. Heptane 

c. Butane 

d. Pentane 




Hydrocarbons (continued) 

6. Which of the following is an aromatic hydrocarbon? 

a. Acetylene 

b. Ethene 

c. Toluene 

d. Propene 

7. Which of the following is subject to polymerization? 

a. Benzene 

b. Toluene 

c. Xylene 

d. Styrene 

8. What is the generic formula for alkenes? 

a. C n 

H 2n 

b. C n 

H 2n+2 

c. C n 

H 2n-2 

d. C n 

H 2n-6 

9. The formula for ethene is: 

a. C 2 

H 2 

b. C 2 

H 4 

c. C 2 

H 5 

d. C 2 

H 6 

10. C 3 

H 8 

is: 

a. Butane 

b. Propane 

c. Propene 

d. Styrene 

11. Smaller molecules have: 

a. Lower flash points 

b. Higher boiling points 

c. Lower ignition temperatures 

d. Lower vapor pressures 

12. Larger molecules have: 

a. Lower flash points 

b. Lower boiling points 

c. Lower ignition temperatures 

d. Higher vapor pressures 




Hydrocarbons (continued) 

13. Which of the following has the lowest flash point? 

a. Hexane 

b. Heptane 

c. Octane 

d. Pentane 


a. C 3 

H 8 

b. C 4 

H 10 

c. C 5 

H 12 

d. C 6 

H 14 

15. C 3 

H 4 

represents: 

a. Propane 

b. Propene 

c. Propylene 

d. Propyne 

16. The formula for hexane is: 

a. C 6 

H 12 

b. C 6 

H 14 

c. C 7 

H 14 

d. C 7 

H 16 

17. The formula for isobutane is: 

a. C 4 

H 6 

b. C 4 

H 8 

c. C 4 

H 10 

d. C 4 

H 12 




Hydrocarbon Radicals and Hydrocarbon Derivatives 


The topic of hydrocarbon derivatives is a big one—one that can consume a lot of class time and be very 

stressful for students. Key things to know include: 

• The definition of hydrocarbon radicals, hydrocarbon derivatives, and functional groups 

• The relation between hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon radicals, hydrocarbon derivatives, and functional 

groups 

• Common hydrocarbon radicals (their names, their formulas, and the hydrocarbons they come from) 

• Common hydrocarbon derivatives 

• How to recognize them by name, formula, and functional group within the formula 

• Common hazards associated with them 

Due to time constraints, this hazmat chemistry prep class will look briefly at only a handful of the hydrocarbon 

derivatives. However, what you’ll learn in this segment will give you a good idea of what to expect 

in a full hazmat chemistry class. 


a “cheat sheet” that will also be a big help to you as you go through your hazmat chemistry class. 


1. CH 3 

represents: 

a. The compound methane 

b. The methyl radical 

c. The ethyl radical 

d. The compound ethane 

2. The acet hydrocarbon radical comes from the __________ molecule. 

a. Methane 

b. Ethane 

c. Ethene 

d. Propane 

3. CH 3 

COCH 3 

is a/an: 

a. Ketone 

b. Aldehyde 

c. Ester 

d. Organic acid 

4. Which of the following is an aldehyde? 

a. CH 3 

COCH 3 

b. CH 3 

COOCH 3 

c. C 2 

H 3 

COOH 

d. CH 3 

CHO 




Hydrocarbon Radicals and Hydrocarbon Derivatives (continued) 

5. Chemical names that end in -al (e.g., ethanal) are often associated with: 

a. Ketones 

b. Aldehydes 

c. Esters 

d. Organic acids 

6. Which of the following hydrocarbon derivatives tend to be toxic and flammable and can have a narcotic 

effect on the central nervous system? 

a. Ketones 

b. Aldehydes 

c. Esters 

d. Organic acids 

7. The formula for methyl butyl ketone is: 

a. CH 3 

COCH 3 

b. CH 3 

COC 2 

H 5 

c. CH 3 

COC 3 

H 7 

d. CH 3 

COC 4 

H 9 

8. The formula for isopropyl alcohol is: 

a. C 3 

H 7 

OH 

b. C 4 

H 9 

OH 

c. C 3 

H 6 

(OH) 2 

d. C 3 

H 5 

(OH) 3 

9. What causes ethers to decompose to organic peroxides? 

a. Heat 

b. Contamination 

c. Exposure to oxygen (air) 

d. Evaporation of an inhibitor 

10. Which of the following is an organic peroxide? 

a. CH 3 

O 2 

C 2 

H 5 

b. CH 3 

OC 2 

H 5 

c. CH 3 

COC 2 

H 5 

d. CH 3 

CO 2 

CH 3 

11. The formula for dichloromethane is: 

a. CH 3 

Cl 

b. CH 2 

Cl 2 

c. CHCl 3 

d. CCl 4 




Hazmat Chemistry According to the DOT Hazard Classes 


Some hazmat chemistry classes focus strictly on chemistry. Others spend time on the DOT hazard classes 

and how they relate to hazmat chemistry. If your class covers the DOT hazard classes, the following are 

some things you should know: 

• A description of each hazard class 

• The divisions each class consists of 

• The relation between each hazard class and what you’ve learned about hazmat chemistry 

• Key hazards and characteristics to know about each hazard class 

Unfortunately, there are very few direct correlations between what we learn about hazmat chemistry and 

the hazard classes that materials are assigned to. Even similar elements and compounds can have different 

primary hazards. Form and concentration can also change a material’s primary hazards. Nonetheless, 

our knowledge of chemistry can help us predict behavior and hazards. This section will touch on a handful 

of examples. 


1. All chemical explosives contain: 

a. A double bond between carbon atoms 

b. Oxygen-rich explosophores 

c. Nitro compounds 

d. An oxidizer and a fuel component 

2. Which of the following is an explosive? 

a. C 3 

H 5 

(OH) 3 

b. CH 3 

CO 2 

C 2 

H 3 

c. C 2 

H 5 

CONH 2 

d. C 6 

H 2 

CH 3 

(NO 2 

) 3 

3. What do the gases helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar) have in common? 

a. They are flammable 

b. They are strong oxidizers 

c. They are highly reactive 

d. They are inert 

4. This material is placarded as a poison gas, but must have a subsidiary oxidizer placard because it is 

one of the most powerful oxidizers known. 

a. Oxygen 

b. Chlorine 

c. Fluorine 

d. Ethylene oxide 




Hazmat Chemistry According to DOT Hazard Classes (continued) 

5. Which of the following flammable liquids has the lowest flash point? 

a. Butyl alcohol 

b. Ethyl alcohol 

c. Methyl alcohol 

d. Propyl alcohol 

6. Flammable liquids with lower flash points generally have: 

a. Higher boiling points 

b. Lower ignition temperatures 

c. Lower vapor pressures 

d. Higher vapor pressures 

7. Flammable liquids from the following group are generally insoluble floaters, making it difficult to extinguish 

a fire with water alone. 

a. Alcohols 

b. Aldehydes 

c. Hydrocarbons 

d. Ketones 

8. Which of the following are most likely to be Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) materials? 

a. Ethers 

b. Alkali metals 

c. Halogens 

d. Halogenated hydrocarbons 

9. Which of the following elements is likely to be the most reactive? 

a. Aluminum 

b. Calcium 

c. Magnesium 

d. Sodium 

10. If a chemical name ends in ___, you should be thinking about the possibility that it may be an oxidizer 

or an explosive. 

a. -ane 

b. -ate 

c. -ene 

d. -ide 

11. Generally, the most important thing you can do to prevent emergencies with organic peroxides is to 

protect them from: 

a. Friction 

b. Elevated temperatures 

c. Exposure to water 

d. Exposure to contaminants 




Hazmat Chemistry According to DOT Hazard Classes (continued) 

12. Which of the following salts is most likely to be a Class 6 material? 

a. KCN 

b. KOH 

c. LiH 

d. NaClO 2 

13. Nerve agent vapors are: 

a. Lighter than air 

b. Heavier than air 

14. Doubling your distance from a radioactive source cuts your exposure by: 

a. 25% 

b. 50% 

c. 75% 

d. 100% 

15. Sodium-24, used in biological research, has: 

a. 11 protons and 11 neutrons 

b. 12 protons and 12 neutrons 

c. 11 protons and 13 neutrons 

d. 13 protons and 11 neutrons 

16. Which end of the pH scale represents bases (caustics)? 

a. pH of 0 to 2 

b. pH of 12.5 to 14 

17. Which of the following is an organic acid? 

a. Acetic acid (CH 3 

COOH) 

b. Hydrocholoric acid (HCl) 

c. Nitric acid (HNO 3 

) 

d. Sulfuric acid (H 2 

SO 4 

) 




Hazmat Chemistry in Some Real World Applications 


This section touches on two other concepts often included in a hazmat chemistry class: 

• Products of combustion 

• Types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement) 


1. Simple hydrocarbons such as methane and propane produce ________ when burning. 

a. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and water vapor 

b. Hydrogen, acrolein, and water vapor 

c. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen cyanide, and water vapor 

d. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen 

2. Chlorine-containing materials produce ________ when burning. 

a. Acrolein 

b. Nitrogen oxides 

c. Hydrogen cyanide 

d. Hydrogen chloride 

3. Hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides are common combustion by-products of: 

a. Simple hydrocarbons 

b. Cellulosic materials 

c. Chlorine-containing materials 

d. Nitrogen-containing materials 

4. Which of the following is an example of a synthesis reaction? 

a. NaCN + HCl ➜ NaCl + HCN 

b. 2Zn + O 2 

➜ 2ZnO 

c. CH 4 

+ Cl 2 

➜ HCl + CH 3 

Cl 

d. NH 4 

NO 2 

➜ N 2 

+ 2H 2 

O 




Answers to the Questions 

Introduction and 

Dispelling Test 

Anxiety 

(pages 4 through 6) 

1. c 

2. a 

3. a 

4. c 

5. b 

6. d 

7. c 

8. c 

9. c 

10. a 

11. a 

12. a 

13. b 

14. d 

15. c 

16. c 

17. a 

18. d 

19. c 

Terms and Definitions 

(pages 7 and 8) 

1. b 

2. c 

3. d 

4. a 

5. c 

6. a 

7. a 

8. a 

9. d 

10. b 

11. d 

12. c 

Elements and 

Compounds 


1. a 

2. d 

3. c 

4. b 

5. b 

6 b 

7 c 

8. c 

9. a 

10. c 

11. c 

12. a 

13. d 

14. d 

15. a 

Salts 


1. c 

2. c 

3. d 

4. a 

5. d 

6. b 

7. d 

8. b 

9. d 

10. d 

11. a 

12. b 

13. a 

14. d 

15. d 

16. d 

Hydrocarbons 


1. b 

2. c 

3. a 

4. a 

5. d 

6. c 

7. d 

8. a 

9. b 

10. b 

11. a 

12. c 

13. d 

14. a 

15. d 

16. b 

17. c 

Hydrocarbon Radicals 

and Hydrocarbon 

Derivatives 

(pages 18 and 19) 

1. b 

2. b 

3. a 

4. d 

5. b 

6. a 

7. d 

8. a 

9. c 

10. a 

11. b 

Hazmat Chemistry 

According to the DOT 

Hazard Classes 


1. d 

2. d 

3. d 

4. c 

5. c 

6. d 

7. c 

8. b 

9. d 

10. b 

11. b 

12. a 

13. b 

14. c 

15. c 

16. b 

17. a 

Hazmat Chemistry 

in Some Real World 

Applications 

(page 23) 

1. a 

2. d 

3. d 

4. b

Hazmat Chemistry Prep Class

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