Air sensitive

Air sensitive, a term used particularly in chemistry to denote compounds that react with air, typically with atmospheric oxygen (O2) or atmospheric water (H2O), although reactions with the other constituents of air like carbon monoxide CO, carbon dioxide CO2 and nitrogen N2 are also possible.

The range of methods used to work with air sensitive compounds are known as air-free techniques. Two main methods exist - gloveboxes and Schlenk lines. Gloveboxes are sealed cabinets filled with an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. Normal laboratory equipment can be set up and manipulated through the use of the gloves. A Schlenk line is a vacuum and inert-gas dual-manifold which allows glassware to be evacuated and refilled with inert gas.