Which option lists the correct classification for examples of Class 5 oxidizing substances?

Which option lists the correct classification for examples of Class 5 oxidizing substances?

• A. Gasoline and diesel
• B. Sodium chloride and water
• C. Nitric acid and bleach
• D. Acetone and ethanol

Answer: (C)

Class 5 oxidizing substances are chemicals that release oxygen or otherwise promote the oxidation process, which can intensify fires. Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer that can dramatically accelerate combustion of nearby fuels, and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) acts as an oxidizing agent as well, capable of releasing reactive oxygen species that support rapid oxidation. These characteristics place them squarely in the oxidizer category, making them classic examples of Class 5 hazards. Gasoline and diesel are fuels; they burn, but they don’t provide the extra oxygen that would feed a fire. Sodium chloride and water are inert and do not promote oxidation. Acetone and ethanol are flammable liquids themselves (Class 3) and do not function primarily as oxidizers.

Class 5 oxidizing substances are chemicals that release oxygen or otherwise promote the oxidation process, which can intensify fires. Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer that can dramatically accelerate combustion of nearby fuels, and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) acts as an oxidizing agent as well, capable of releasing reactive oxygen species that support rapid oxidation. These characteristics place them squarely in the oxidizer category, making them classic examples of Class 5 hazards.

Gasoline and diesel are fuels; they burn, but they don’t provide the extra oxygen that would feed a fire. Sodium chloride and water are inert and do not promote oxidation. Acetone and ethanol are flammable liquids themselves (Class 3) and do not function primarily as oxidizers.