Diethylaluminium chloride

Diethylaluminium chloride

Structural formula of diethylaluminium chloride
Ball-and-stick model of the diethylaluminium chloride molecule
Names
IUPAC name Chlorodiethylalumane
Other names Chlorodiethylaluminium
Identifiers
CAS Number	96-10-6 Y
Beilstein Reference	4123259
ChemSpider	10413126 Y
EC Number	202-477-2
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	7277
RTECS number	BD0558000
UN number	3394
InChI InChI=1S/2C2H5.Al.ClH/c2*1-2;;/h2*1H2,2H3;;1H/q;;+1;/p-1 Y Key: YNLAOSYQHBDIKW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Y
SMILES CC[Al](Cl)CC
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H10AlCl
Molar mass	120.56 g·mol−1
Density	0.961 g cm−3
Melting point	−50 °C (−58 °F; 223 K)
Boiling point	125 to 126 °C (257 to 259 °F; 398 to 399 K) at 50 mmHg
Vapor pressure	3 mmHg (at 60 °C)
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Diethylaluminium chloride is a highly hazardous organic compound and Lewis acid with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀AlCl. When dissolved in hexane, diethylaluminum chloride is a colorless liquid. It is used for polyolefin catalysis and as an intermediate in the preparation of organometallic compounds. It has a vapor density of 4.2 (air=1).

Safety

Diethylaluminum chloride is extremely flammable, and thus must be kept away from sparks, flames, or any source of ignition. The compound must be kept in a tightly closed steel container, in a cool, dry room where temperatures and pressures do not vary frequently, when the compound is not in use. When handling this compound always make sure it is under the fume hood, and, for more protection, always wear a respirator when the container is open. Avoid direct physical contact by always wearing protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing while handing this compound. Those who are not trained to handle such a volatile chemical should not do so for their own safety as diethylaluminum chloride is extremely hard to handle. If a spill of diethylaluminum chloride should occur, first get rid of all ignition sources and prevent water from coming in contact with the spill. Then cover the spill with dry earth or sand, followed by a plastic sheet. Wait until spill can be swept up and dispose of properly.

Effects of exposure and first aid

If diethylaluminum chloride is ingested one may experience burns of the esophagus and stomach. The person may be more likely to vomit or drool. If this happens one can dilute the solution by drinking a lot of water or milk, but no more than 8 ounces. Seek medical attention immediately. If the compound is inhaled burning of the nasal and throat passageways may occur and cause upper airway injury. Should this occur move the person to fresh air, seek medical attention immediately. The medical personnel might administer oxygen or assist in ventilation. Lastly, if the compound comes in contact with the skin or eyes severe skin and eye irritation may occur as well as burns. If it comes in contact with your skin, first remove contaminated clothes, then run skin under water for 15 minutes, finally, if necessary see a physician if burning persists. If the compound comes into contact with the eyes run eyes under copious amounts of water for 30 minutes, then see a doctor immediately.

Reactivity with fire and water

Diethylaluminum chloride vapors can diffuse throughout a room and catch fire from an ignition source and create a flash back. The fire created by diethylaluminum chloride will create very hazardous gases that are toxic when inhaled. To stop a fire created by diethylaluminum chloride, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide should be used. The compound may also re-ignite after extinction because of its high reactivity. Water should never be used to put out the flames as this will cause diethylaluminum chloride to react even more violently. Diethylaluminum chloride is so reactive with water that it may even ignite upon contact with moisture in the air.

References

http://www.chemicaldictionary.org/dic/D/Diethylaluminum-chloride_235.html

http://www.chemcas.org/drug/analytical/cas/96-10-6.asp

Hu, Y. J.; Jiang, H. L.; Wang, H. H., "Preparation of highly branched polyethylene with acenaphthenediimine nickel chloride/diethylaluminum chloride catalyst". Chinese Journal of Polymer Science 2006, 24 (5), 483–488.

Yao, Y. M.; Qi, G. Z.; Shen, Q.; Hu, J. Y.; Lin, Y. H., "Reactivity and structural characterization of divalent samarium aryloxide with diethylaluminum chloride". Chinese Science Bulletin 2003, 48 (20), 2164–2167.