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Chemical Name: Tripropylaluminum
Synonyms: Tri-n-propylaluminum
Molecular Formula: C9H21Al
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, sharp odor
Common Use: Catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry and polymer production
Main Hazards: Pyrophoric liquid, catches fire on contact with air; severe skin and eye irritant; reacts violently with water and forms flammable gases; produces dense toxic smoke on combustion
Acute Symptoms: Burns, irritation of respiratory system, chemical pneumonitis on inhalation
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis due to degreasing action
Primary Ingredient: Tripropylaluminum
CAS Number: 1742-39-6
Concentration: ~100% for laboratory and industrial handling without dilution
Impurities: Trace quantities of other trialkylaluminum compounds based on batch synthesis, raising unpredictability in risk
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; intense coughing or breathing difficulty demands urgent medical attention
Skin Contact: Drench area with copious water, remove contaminated clothing; call emergency services for visible burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open; immediate medical care critical to prevent ocular injury
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid vomiting or giving fluids if person is unconscious; seek professional help at once
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder for metal fires (Class D), never use water or foam due to violent reaction
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, can travel and ignite at a distance; expect re-ignition after apparent extinguishment; thermal decomposition releases toxic gases like aluminum oxides and hydrocarbons
Fire Prevention: Store in air-tight containers under inert atmospheres such as argon or nitrogen
Personal Protection: Evacuate area, wear flame-resistant clothing and chemical splash goggles
Containment: Cover spillage with dry sand, use non-sparking tools to collect residue
Ventilation: Provide explosion-proof exhaust wherever spills occur
Prevention of Secondary Hazards: Trap and dispose of vapors, never allow contact with water drains or moisture
Safe Handling: Use only in inert atmosphere gloveboxes or fume hoods, double glove with chemical-resistant material
Incompatibilities: Keep clear of water, moisture, oxidizers, acids
Storage: Seal in containers designed for pyrophoric chemicals, secured away from heat and sources of ignition, maintain strict inventory controls while tracking container age and condition
Transfer: Use specialized transfer equipment to prevent leaks or air exposure
Engineering Controls: Enclose processes, ensure continuous inert gas blanketing, install blast shields
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, flame-retardant lab coat, nitrile or neoprene gloves, full-body suit where spill risk exists
Respiratory Protection: Use air-purifying respirators or supplied air in case of accidental release; never risk unprotected exposure if container ruptures or leaks
Hygienic Practices: Prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking within work areas; provide emergency eyewash and showers close to all use points
State: Liquid under ambient conditions
Odor: Pungent, similar to gasoline
Boiling Point: Starts to decompose and fume near atmospheric pressure on heating
Vapor Pressure: Moderate, releasing volatile organic vapors
Solubility: Decomposes in water
Flash Point: Below room temperature due to pyrophoricity
Density: Lightweight hydrocarbon liquid
Chemical Stability: Unstable in presence of air or moisture
Reactivity: Fiercely pyrophoric, ignites instantly with air; reacts and decomposes violently with water, acids, and halogenated compounds
Hazardous Decomposition: Gives off aluminum oxides, propylene, propane, toxic smoke as a result of combustion
Polymerization: Not self-polymerizing but acts as a catalyst; polymerizes other chemicals rapidly
Conditions to Avoid: All forms of moisture, uncontrolled heating, exposure to atmosphere
Acute Toxicity: Inhalation causes severe irritation and possible lung injury; contact leads to chemical burns; ingestion is life-threatening
Chronic Effects: Evidence from alkylaluminum studies suggests repeated contact can damage human skin and eyes, impede respiratory function, and degrade liver/kidney performance
Routes of Exposure: By inhalation, skin absorption, or accidental ingestion
Symptoms: Pain, redness, coughing, nausea, breathing difficulties
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life from rapid hydrolysis and release of aluminum ions and propylene
Persistence: Decomposition is immediate in wet environments, but leaves lasting impact through pH shifts and particulate aluminum
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to persist or build up, though localized effects near spills are substantial
Mobility: Reacts rapidly, doesn’t migrate far before decomposing
Destruction: Controlled chemical destruction under expert supervision, usually by slow hydrolysis under inert conditions followed by neutralization
Prohibited Disposal: Never pour into municipal drains, public water sources, soil, or landfill
Container Rinsing: Neutralize all residues before washing, then treat rinse water as hazardous
Regulations: Classify all disposal as hazardous waste under chemical safety laws, require full documentation and certified haulers
UN Number: Regulated as a hazardous material; classified under pyrophoric liquids
Labeling: Flammable, corrosive, pyrophoric liquid with clear hazard signage
Packing Requirements: Pressure-tested steel drums or ampoules, secured and sealed under inert gas, restrict container movement, prohibit shipping with incompatible substances
Emergency Instructions: Carriers must have response plans for leaks or fires, regular inspection during transit ensures integrity
OSHA: Strict workplace control standards for pyrophoric and toxic substances
EPA: Classified as hazardous for disposal, strict liability on spills
DOT/ADR: Transported only by certified handlers, in approved packaging, with formal documentation and manifest controls
Reporting: Recordkeeping and incident logs required by safety authorities, site-specific handling protocols developed from chemical-specific risk assessment
