Name: Ethylaluminum Dichloride
Chemical Formula: C2H5AlCl2
Physical Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Common Use: Catalyst and reagent in organic synthesis, especially in the polymer industry
Odor: Sharp, pungent, reminiscent of hydrochloric acid
CAS Number: 563-43-9
Acute Hazards: Severe irritation and burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; can react violently with moisture producing corrosive hydrochloric acid fumes
Fire Hazard: Highly flammable; ignition risk upon contact with air or moisture
Corrosivity: Attacks tissue, mucous, and some metals
Sensitization: Reacts with water and alcohols with release of heat and hazardous gases
Health Warning: Systemic toxicity possible with exposure; immediate medical intervention suggested for spills
Component: Ethylaluminum Dichloride
Concentration: 100% (pure substance, no stabilizers or additives listed in commercial grades)
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately; support breathing if breathing stops; oxygen if shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse with large amounts of cool water; do not rub or use neutralizing chemicals
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open; remove contact lenses if possible
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek urgent medical help
Medical Attention: Both short term and long term monitoring essential for exposure cases; watch for chemical burns and respiratory distress
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical or foam; never use water or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Gases produced in fire include hydrogen chloride and hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Precautions: Evacuate area; cool containers from a safe distance; risk of explosion in closed containers exposed to heat
Personal Protection: Full protective gear, including chemical splash goggles, gloves, and splash suit
Compatibility: Prevent contact with water; avoid skin and eye contact
Spill Cleanup: Absorb with dry, inert material like sand or vermiculite; shovel into dry containers; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to drains and waterways; report significant spills to authorities
Distant Hazards: Fumes may travel; evacuate personnel downwind from release
Handling Practices: Only trained personnel handle the chemical; use enclosed systems where possible; prevent moisture in contact
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed, non-glass containers under dry, inert atmosphere; away from heat, open flames, oxidizers, acids, and water
Labeling: Clearly label all storage vessels with hazard warnings
Storage Temperature: Room temperature; keep away from temperature extremes
Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hood or local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protection: Impermeable gloves, flame-resistant lab coats, chemical splash goggles, face shield; respiratory protection for accidental exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin before eating, drinking, or smoking; remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area
Monitoring: Routine air monitoring in workspaces to detect vapor accumulation or accidental discharges; regular health checks for exposed staff
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to faint yellow
Odor: Pungent, acrid
Boiling Point: Around 94°C (201°F)
Melting Point: Below -80°C
Density: Approximately 1.18 g/cm3 at 20°C
Solubility: Violently reacts with water; decomposes
Reactivity with Solvents: Stable in some hydrocarbon solvents, incompatible with alcohols, water, oxidizing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable in dry, oxygen-free environments
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, oxygen, oxidizing agents, acids, amines
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride, hydrocarbons, toxic fumes
Polymerization: No known hazardous polymerization under recommended storage
Other Concerns: Containers may rupture violently upon contact with moisture
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Effects: Severe burns to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes; possible damage to lungs and respiratory system
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure, even at low concentrations, could sensitize skin or lungs; risk of long-term respiratory effects
Symptoms: Burning, itching, pain, respiratory distress, coughing, tissue necrosis
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by available health agencies, but not enough long-term data for certainty
Aquatic Toxicity: Dangerous to aquatic organisms due to toxicity and reactivity
Persistence: Reacts with water rapidly, resulting in hydrolysis and breakdown products
Mobility: Rapid conversion in environment complicates standard assessment
Bioaccumulation: No direct evidence of bioaccumulation, but byproducts contribute to environmental acidity and toxicity
Disposal Method: Incinerate in facilities equipped to handle halogenated wastes; do not mix with water or municipal waste streams
Precautions: Consult local authorities and chemical disposal experts for upcoming guidance on residual solutions and containers
Neutralization: Professionals should neutralize small amounts with non-aqueous compatible neutralizers, always wearing full PPE
Container Disposal: Decontaminate only under expert guidance; risky residues persist after draining
Proper Shipping Name: Ethylaluminum Dichloride
UN Number: UN 3051
Hazard Class: 4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion)
Packing Group: I (great danger)
Transport Precautions: Secure upright in sealed containers; keep cool and dry; clearly mark transport containers with hazardous material placards and do not ship near food or consumer goods
Global Chemical Listings: Tracked in most chemical regulatory programs including the US EPA TSCA Inventory, EU REACH, and major Asian regulatory bodies
Restrictions: Handling and transport subject to strict local, national, and international oversight; regulated as a hazardous substance in industrial and lab environments
Worker Protection: Standards require hazard communication and employee training for exposure prevention
Emergency Planning: Facilities using ethylaluminum dichloride must report usage and stockpiling to proper authorities, maintaining emergency plans and public reporting for significant releases