Your lab instructor has given you an unknown compound in a test tube. As the first step in the identification of this unknown, you are told that it is safe to test the compound for odor. Which of the following describes the appropriate way to determine whether the unknown compound has an odor?

Question

A.
Pour some of the unknown into a dish and inhale directly from the dish.
B.
Wave your hands to direct some of the odor toward your nose.
C.
Pour some of the unknown on a paper towel and sniff the paper towel.
D.
Inhale directly above the opening of the test tube.

Answer 1

C. Pour some of the unknown on a paper towel and sniff the paper towel.