The problem is that some are defective. The defect does not become noticeable until hours later, multiplied by temperature and pressure.
One thing is for sure, they do not explode or burst (during a rxn) They just get tiny pinholes in them and the pinhole does not become obvious until the balloon is deflating (loss of HI gas) or when PI3 crystals start to react with air.
Swim theorizes that these balloons are fairly safe but unpredictable. One might get a pinhole after 5 1/2 hrs or maybe after 22 hrs of reflux and most of the time, no leaks at all. In dreams, has never had one leak when used with a condenser.
If using these balloons during a rxn and without a condenser it is always good to have excellent ventilation just in case of an unexpected pinhole.
Also if using an oil bath it is also good to use a clamp stand to keep the flask submerged.
If a balloon gets a pinhole leak, do not panic, it is not life threatening! Just adjust the clamp stand and elevate the flask (still attached) to the stand, until it is no longer submerged in the oil and allow it to come to room temperature on its own.
Yes these things do help tremendously to reduce potentially suspicious smells. At least that is what Swim said...
He said he went looking for some the other day and the stores were out of stock for the first time ever. I wonder why? Kids must really love them.
Or was scram referring to solvent boils; mainly toluene, xylene, acetone etc?
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Refuse/Resist