Unknown Chemical

Flammability Test, Liquid: Using a lighter or Bunsen burner, try to light the wetted pH paper. If the material burns, observe how it burns. Light-weight alcohols burn with a nearly invisible flame; simple alkanes burn fairly cleanly, while aromatic compounds or those with double or triple bonds will produce a smoky flame. If the compound contains a significant amount of halogens, nitrogen or sulfur the pH paper will turn red due to the acidic products of combustion. All flammables should be handled as hazardous waste.

WARNING! Because many substances give off toxic fumes when heated, perform this test only in a functioning fume hood and use great care.