Aluminum Alkyls—safe Handling

Abstract

Fires result from just exposing these compounds to air. But handling them is no more difficult than handling strong acid or caustic-if it is done the right way Knowledge is safety-techniques and equipment can be designed to nullify the very dangerous properties of aluminum alkyls. Precautions must be scrupulously observed. Education and training play a most important part in any program of handling aluminum alkyls. All personnel must know thoroughly the nature of the materials, the operating procedures, and the equipment. The need for proper use of personal protective equipment must be deeply ingrained. Personnel must respect these materials-not fear them.Ethyl Corp. has worked with aluminum alkyls for several years in laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial operations. There have been no serious accidents because of the continuing attention given to the proper safety precautions. Cardinal rules to be followed fall into three groups: CONTAIN-Prevent uncontrolled escape of alkyls and contact with reactive materials. GUARD -In case aluminum alkyls should escape from their enclosed system, shield operators and equipment from potential leaks, sprays, or splashes.PROTECT-As a third line of defense, require that personnel wear full personal protective equipment when there is a possibility of exposure.Aluminum Alkyls Are Used by the Ton The term, aluminum alkyls, now often used in the chemical industry, broadly covers the compound family containing aluminum, alkyl groups, and sometimes halogens.Triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, and diethylaluminum chloride are used commercially. Tri-n-propylaluminum, trimethylaluminum, ethylaluminum dichloride, and diethylaluminum hydride may soon have commercial use.Large amounts of aluminum alkyls are used in Ziegler catalyst systems for polyethylene, polypropylene, and stereo rubbers. Triethylaluminum is used in one U. S. plant for making straight chain alcohols; it can also be used for making long-chain alpha olefins. Ethyl Corp. uses the alkyls in their manufacturing operation. Continuing research is leading to new uses: ignitor systems in ramjets, afterburner sustainers for jet engines, aluminum gas plating compounds, high energy fuels, reducing agents, and intermediates for organometallics.New Chemistry-New Hazard Combination Aluminum alkyls are highly reactive. Butyls and the lower alkyls are pyrophoric; that is, they ignite spontaneously in air, at ambient temperatures. They react violently with water, and burn the skin severely on contact.