A chemical reaction in a lab in the Gottwald Center for the Sciences prompted a response from the Henrico County Police Department, Henrico County Fire Department and University of Richmond Police Department on Thursday evening.
The chemical that caused the reaction is isopropyl alcohol, commonly referred to as rubbing alcohol. In a lab, the chemical is much stronger and leaves the opportunity for larger reactions. It is not like the diluted version of rubbing alcohol that can be bought at the store.
Though flammable, the chemical is fairly low-risk on its own. Once left open, it can slowly form peroxides as it evaporates and concentrates. These peroxides can be shock or heat sensitive and potentially explosive…