This report gives a compilation of the periodical and patent literature on the known chemical reactions of tetraethyllead (TEL). These are by no means con fined to antioxidant and antiknock effects. Of par ticular interest are those reactions wherein ethyl radicals, liberated from TEL by photolysis or pyrolysis, induce the polymerization, chlorination, or oxidation of other compounds. Many different diethyl-and triethyllead salts are readily obtained from the parent compound. TEL is used to prepare other organome tallic compounds, and its reaction with heavy metal chlorides produces Ziegler-type catalysts for the polymerization of olefins. In view of its ready avail ability, these relatively unexplored end uses for TEL constitute an area of considerable research potential.Tetraethyllead-commonly abbreviated to TEL-is the outstanding example of the simple or R n M type of organometallic compound of moderate chemical reactivity. It has been known for over 100 years, as it was one of the first of these compounds to be isolated, and it is now unique in industrial importance. As a consequence, the reac tions of TEL have been widely investigated. However, there still remain many oppor tunities for worthwhile research in this field.The chemistry of organolead compounds in general has often been reviewed (58,113,120), notably by Calingaert (17), Krause (82), and most recently Gilman (45,83) and their coworkers: men who have contributed much of the important ex perimental work on the subject. Reviews in particular have been made by German and Russian workers (81, 131), but these are not readily accessible and are now out of date.Considering the variety of chemical reactions into which TEL can enter, and its ready availability at a relatively low cost, there may well be good use for the follow ing compilation of the available information on these reactions. PhotolysisTEL is readily dissociated by light. The vapor shows continuous absorption in the ultraviolet with the formation of metallic lead and ethyl radicals, the latter being detected by the Paneth method (33, 103, 124) · Maximum absorption occurs at about 306