Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What term describes the reaction between oxidizers and organic compounds that leads to an explosion?

1. Catalytic reaction

2. Hypergolic

3. Detonation

4. Combustion

The correct answer is: Hypergolic

The term that describes the reaction between oxidizers and organic compounds leading to an explosion is hypergolic. Hypergolic reactions occur when a fuel spontaneously ignites upon contact with an oxidizer without the need for an external ignition source. This characteristic is particularly important in specific applications such as rocket propellants, where precise control over combustion and energy release is crucial. In the context of safety and hazardous materials, understanding hypergolic reactions is critical because they can pose significant dangers in handling and storage. The immediate ignition upon mixing can result in rapid energy release, creating explosive conditions. While the other terms mentioned refer to different types of reactions or combustion processes, they do not specifically capture the essence of the spontaneous ignition characteristic of hypergolic reactions. For instance, detonation refers to a specific type of explosive reaction characterized by a shockwave, whereas combustion generally involves burning at a controlled rate, neither of which encapsulates the same immediate and uncontrolled ignition aspect of hypergolic reactions.