What material can be combined with caustic soda to create a special cleanser for nitroglycerine?

• A. Olive oil
• B. Petroleum
• C. Wood alcohol or methylated spirits
• D. Vinegar

Answer: (C)

The correct choice involves wood alcohol or methylated spirits, which are known for their effective solubility and ability to emulsify oils and other materials. When combined with caustic soda, these substances create a specialized cleanser that effectively removes nitroglycerine residues.

Nitroglycerine is a highly sensitive and explosive compound, and proper cleaning is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure safety in handling. Wood alcohol, or methanol, has properties that allow it to dissolve organic materials, making it suitable for this application. Additionally, methylated spirits are often used in various industrial cleaning agents due to their solvent capabilities.

The other materials presented do not have the same properties as wood alcohol or methylated spirits. Olive oil and petroleum may not effectively emulsify nitroglycerine residues, and vinegar's acidic nature would not be conducive to interacting safely or effectively with caustic soda in this context. Therefore, wood alcohol or methylated spirits is the suitable choice for cleansing nitroglycerine, providing the necessary compatibility and effectiveness needed in such sensitive tasks.