HOW TO READ A CHEMICAL LABEL

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Here is an example of a chemical label:

Almost all of the chemical compound found in the biology and chemistry laboratories at Waycross College are purchased from Fisher Scientific.  A Fisher label is identified by the blue F on the label.
 
 

The information on the left-hand side of the Fis physical data, suh as molecular formula (CH3CN), molecular weight (41.05 grams/mole) , density (0.775 g/mL), and boiling point (81.3 - 81.9 C). An important piece of information found at the bottom of that part of the label is the CAS number (short for Chemical Abstracts Systematic number).  The CAS number for a chemical is unique, like a social security number for a person.  The CAS number for this compound is 75-05-8.

The data below the F is Fisher's warehousing and tracking data, which is not very useful.    To the right of the F is hazard warning information.  The FLASH POINT is the temperature where a flammable liquid, like this one, will spontaneously combust.

To the far right are a set of symbols that provide immediate and useful information.  The diamonds give the NFPA number codes, which range from 0 to 4.  The higher the number, the more hazardous the compound is.  Other symbols, like the person clothed in protective gear near the fume hood, also provide useful visual information on how to properly handle the compound.

Fisher scientific uses color codes on their labels for easy and correct storage.  A RED bar on the bottom of the label means the compound is flammable; a BLUE bar is reserved for a toxic compound; a YELLOW bar is a reactive compound, and a GRAY bar means the compound is generally considered non-hazardous.