| OBSERVATION'S |
We read with interest the letter to the editor from Pfizer that highlights the need for precautions in the development and application of organic perchlorate reagents. As the primary advocate of perchlorate chemistries, Co. has made a concerted effort for more than 70 years to orient chemists toward the safe use of both common and uncommon perchlorates.In the case of any organic perchlorate, and especially materials that are relatively devoid of moisture, complete evaluation (by differential scanning calorimetry and other suitable techniques) of thermal hazards and shock sensitivity is essential before the material is used beyond milligram scales. The rule of thumb for all cases is that potential hazards involving perchlorates are multiplied with increasing temperature, dryness, and/or perchlorate content. Nearly all incidents involving perchlorates can be attributed to abuse of one or more of these parameters, and as such are nearly always avoidable. Also, an updated edition of Al Schilt's valuable book, "Perchloric Acid and Perchlorates" will be available in a few months from Co. It will feature new information gleaned from thousands of literature citations that reflect the safe and imaginative uses of a wide variety of perchlorate reagents in an expanding arena of R&D into processes, materials, and devices.
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