Smelling chemicals

You should not forget to include your sense of smell when making observations. It can often help in identifying an unknown chemical and it is worth remembering some of the characteristic smells. However, some chemicals are hazardous to smell and great care is needed. Your teacher should warn you if there is any danger. Take particular care if you suffer from any breathing difficulties, like asthma. When you are asked to smell chemicals, don't stick your nose in the bottle and breathe in deeply. This may seem obvious, but students do do it - and can regret it!

To smell safely, start with the bottle or test tube around 30 cm from your nose. Waft any smell gently towards your nose. If you cannot smell anything you can bring the container slowly closer to your nose.

Video - smelling chemicals