Water-reactive substances

Water-reactive substances are those that spontaneously undergo a chemical reaction with water, as they are highly reducing in nature. Notable examples include alkali metals, lithium through caesium, and alkaline earth metals, magnesium through barium.

Some water-reactive substances are also pyrophoric, like organometallics and sulphuric acid, and should be kept away from moisture. The use of acid-resistant gloves and face shield are required and should be handled in fume hoods.

Such substances are classified as R2 under the UN classification system and as Hazard 4.3 by the United States Department of Transportation. In an NFPA 704 fire diamond's white square, they are denoted as "W̶".

All chemicals that react vigorously with water or liberate toxic gas when in contact with water are recognized for their hazardous nature in the 'Approved Supply List,' or the list of substances covered by the international legislation on major hazards many of which are commonly used in manufacturing processes.

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