What is the purpose of a fume hood in an organic chemistry lab?

The primary purpose of a fume hood in an organic chemistry lab is to protect users from inhaling hazardous fumes. Fume hoods are designed to exhaust toxic, volatile, or harmful vapors produced during chemical reactions or processes. They work by drawing air into the hood and filtering it before releasing it outside, creating a safe working environment.

Using a fume hood minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful substances, ensuring that any potentially dangerous fumes are contained and directed away from the individuals working in the laboratory. This is particularly critical when handling substances that can release noxious gases or pose respiratory hazards.

While other aspects such as enhancing ventilation and lighting or providing a controlled temperature environment may be beneficial in a laboratory setting, they do not encapsulate the main function of a fume hood. The safe storage of chemicals is also important, but it is not within the direct scope of what a fume hood is designed to do. The emphasis on user safety regarding inhalation of hazardous materials makes option B the correct answer.