DIETHYLZINC
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The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
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| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
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| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
| none | none |
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health
|
3 | Can cause serious or permanent injury. | |||||||||
Flammability
|
4 | Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature. | ||||||||||
Instability
|
3 | Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation. | ||||||||||
Special
|
| Reacts violently or explosively with water. |
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Diethylzinc is a pyrophoric liquid with a garlic-like odor. It is stable when it is shipped in sealed tubes with carbon dioxide. It may decompose violently in water and ignite spontaneously with air. It is toxic by ingestion. If exposed to heat or flame, containers of this material may explode. It is used as an aircraft fuel.
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Strong Reducing Agent
- Water-Reactive
- Pyrophoric
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Ignites in air with a blue flame giving off a peculiar garlic-like odor, [Merck, 11th ed., 1989]. Diethyl zinc is spontaneously flammable in air, [Douda(1966)]. Reacts violently with water to form flammable ethane gas, [Brauer(1965)].
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Yields zinc oxide fumes when burning; can cause "metal fume fever". Will react with surface moisture, generating flammable ethane gas.
Behavior in Fire: Reacts spontaneously with air or oxygen, and violently with water, evolving flammable ethane gas. Contact with water applied to adjacent fires will intensify the fire. (USCG, 1999)
Behavior in Fire: Reacts spontaneously with air or oxygen, and violently with water, evolving flammable ethane gas. Contact with water applied to adjacent fires will intensify the fire. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation of mist or vapor causes immediate irritation of nose and throat; excessive or prolonged inhalation of fumes from ignition or decomposition may cause "metal fume fever" (sore throat, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscular aches, perspiration, constricting sensation in lungs, weakness, sometimes prostration); symptoms usually last 12-24 hrs., with complete recovery in 24-48 hrs. Eyes are immediately and severely irritated on contact with liquid, vapor, or dilute solution; without thorough irrigation, cornea may be permanently damaged. Moisture in skin combines with chemical to cause thermal and acid burns; tissue may be scarred without prompt treatment. Ingestion is unlikely but would cause immediate burns at site of contact; pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea may follow; if untreated, tissue may become ulcerated. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
DIETHYLZINC is pyrophoric in air, it ignites instantaneously. It reacts explosively with alcohols (methanol, ethanol), bromine, chlorine or liquefied sulfur dioxide [Houben-Weyl, 1973, 13.2a, p. 855, 757, 709]. Reaction with water, nitro compounds, arsenic trichloride, phosphorus trichloride is violent [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 587].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. Some of these materials may react violently with water. CAUTION: For Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, USE FLOODING AMOUNTS OF WATER for SMALL AND LARGE fires to stop the reaction. Smothering will not work for these materials, they do not need air to burn.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or DRY sand, EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342, or withdraw from area and let fire burn. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers or in contact with substance. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. Some of these materials may react violently with water. CAUTION: For Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, USE FLOODING AMOUNTS OF WATER for SMALL AND LARGE fires to stop the reaction. Smothering will not work for these materials, they do not need air to burn.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or DRY sand, EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342, or withdraw from area and let fire burn. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers or in contact with substance. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Cartridge-type or fresh air mask for fumes or smoke; PVC fire-retardant or asbestos gloves; full face shield, safety glasses, or goggles; fire-retardant coveralls as standard wear; for special cases, use asbestos coat or rain suit. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
INHALATION: move victim to fresh air and call doctor immediately; give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if needed; keep victim warm and comfortable; oxygen should be given only by experienced person, and only on doctor's instructions.
EYES: flush with large amounts of running water for at least 15 min., holding eyelids apart to insure thorough washing; get medical attention as soon as possible; do not use chemical neutralizers, and avoid oils or ointments unless prescribed by doctor.
SKIN: flush affected area with large amounts of water, do not use chemical neutralizers; get medical attention if irritation persists.
INGESTION: do NOT induce vomiting; have victim drink large amounts of water or milk immediately; if vomiting occurs, give more fluids; get medical attention. (USCG, 1999)
EYES: flush with large amounts of running water for at least 15 min., holding eyelids apart to insure thorough washing; get medical attention as soon as possible; do not use chemical neutralizers, and avoid oils or ointments unless prescribed by doctor.
SKIN: flush affected area with large amounts of water, do not use chemical neutralizers; get medical attention if irritation persists.
INGESTION: do NOT induce vomiting; have victim drink large amounts of water or milk immediately; if vomiting occurs, give more fluids; get medical attention. (USCG, 1999)
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature:
0°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
-18°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
1.207
at 68°F
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
255°F
at 760 mmHg
(USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight:
123.5
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diethylzinc (557-20-0) | 24 ppm | 260 ppm | 1600 ppm |
(DOE, 2018)
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Compounds | N982 | & | 313 |
- & indicates that no RQ is assigned to this generic or broad class, although the class is a CERCLA hazardous substance. See 50 Federal Register 13456 (April 4, 1985).
(EPA List of Lists, 2022)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Diethylzinc | 557-20-0 | 10000 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- DIETHYLZINC
- ETHYLZINC
- ZINC DIETHYL
- ZINC ETHYL
Version 3.0.0