Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of ether should be discarded after 1 year. Open containers of ether should be discarded within 6 months of opening. In the Department of Chemistry, refilled ether cans should be so labeled. The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is unstable. Shock sensitive refers to the susceptibility of the chemical to rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated or otherwise agitated.
Some chemicals become increasingly shock sensitive with age.
Write the date received and date opened on all containers of shock sensitive chemicals. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of shock sensitive materials should be discarded after 1 year. Open containers of shock sensitive materials should be discarded within 6 months of opening. The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is shock sensitive. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling shock sensitive chemicals.