Yudu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China sales3@ar-reagent.com 3170906422@qq.com
Follow us:



Dibutylmagnesium: Safety and Handling in the Real World

Identification

Chemical Name: Dibutylmagnesium
Common Formula: C8H18Mg
Form: Liquid, usually colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Sharp, gasoline-like scent
CAS Number: 1191-47-5
Synonyms: Bis(butyl)magnesium, magnesium dibutyl

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, pyrophoric hazards
Main Risks: Highly flammable on contact with water or air, severe eye and skin irritant, can cause severe respiratory distress if vapors are inhaled
Pictograms: Flame, corrosive, exclamation mark
Label Elements: Danger signal word, keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, water, and oxidizers
Long-Term Effects: Ongoing respiratory exposure might damage lung tissue, direct skin contact can result in burns or blistering

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Dibutylmagnesium
Purity: Usually above 90 percent in commercial and research applications
Typical Solvents: Hydrocarbon solvents such as heptane or hexane, which bring additional flammability risks
Impurities: Possible butylmagnesium derivatives, trace water can trigger violent hydrolysis

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush with generous amounts of water for at least fifteen minutes using an eyewash station, get medical help right away
Skin Contact: Remove all contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with water and mild soap, seek immediate medical attention as burns may worsen over time
Inhalation: Move to a space with fresh air, monitor for signs of breathing difficulty, provide oxygen if trained to do so, see a doctor
Ingestion: Swallowing is rare due to its chemical nature, but never attempt to induce vomiting, call a poison control center and get medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder or specialized Class D fire extinguishers, never water or foam
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burns with release of butane, magnesium oxide, possibly toxic fumes
Protective Gear: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Fight or Evacuate: If safe, isolate area and let controlled burn finish, since water reacts violently and can spread fire

Accidental Release Measures

Approach with Caution: Wear chemical splash goggles, flame-resistant gloves, and full-body protection before entering affected space
Spill Response: Contain vapor using sand or dry inert material, remove ignition sources and ventilate area
Cleanup: Never allow contact with water, neutralize with copper sulfate if skilled, collect residues in steel container for disposal
Reporting: Alert responsible authorities if spill threatens environment or public safety

Handling and Storage

Handling Tips: Always use in a well-ventilated fume hood, avoid rough handling or dropping containers, work with precision and focus
Avoidances: Keep away from water, air, acids, and sources of ignition
Storage Recommendations: Store under dry nitrogen or argon in tightly sealed, clearly labeled steel drums or glass vials
Segregation: Keep apart from halogenated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, food products, and personal areas
Periodic Inspection: Check containers regularly for leaks or deterioration

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, explosion-proof ventilation, spark-free equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield for large volumes, thick nitrile or rubber gloves, flame-resistant lab coats
Breathing Protection: Respirator rated for organic vapor exposure if above permitted levels
Monitoring: Regular checks on air quality, solvent vapor, and workspace neatness to prevent accidents

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless liquid
Odor: Fuel-like or pungent
Boiling Point: Not well defined, but above room temperature depending on solvent
Melting Point: Not applicable as standard solution
Density: Varies by carrier solvent
Vapor Pressure: Significant if solvent is light hydrocarbon
Solubility: Reacts vigorously with water, miscible with organic ethers and hydrocarbons
Flash Point: Extremely low due to solvents
Autoignition: Can ignite in air or on contact with water, so always treat as a pyrophoric liquid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Unstable in moist or open air
Conditions to Avoid: Water, humid air, acids, heat, direct sunlight
Reactive Chemicals: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogenated chemicals
Hazardous Reactions: Hydrolysis liberates flammable gas and corrosive products
Decomposition: Yields butane, magnesium oxide, and heat on burning

Toxicological Information

Main Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation
Immediate Effects: Burns, severe irritation, headache, nausea after inhalation
Long-Term Risks: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause permanent eye damage, chronic lung problems, or skin scarring
Toxicity Data: Lack of confirmed oral toxicity since ingestion is rare, but hazard is assumed severe based on chemistry

Ecological Information

Aquatic Risks: Toxic to marine life due to magnesium and solvent components, risks spike with accidental release to waterways
Soil Impact: Alters soil pH, kills beneficial microorganisms, long-term contamination from spilled residues
Degradability: Reacts and breaks down quickly in moist soil or water but produces harmful byproducts
Precaution: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil

Disposal Considerations

Preferred Method: Burn controlled quantities in specialized chemical incinerator under supervision
Do Not Pour: Never flush into sewer or landfill, keeps risks to both humans and ecosystems at bay
Container Handling: Rinse with dry, inert solvent and treat washings as hazardous
Recycling: Professional reclamation only, not suitable for general industrial or community waste channels

Transport Information

Designation: Regulated as a hazardous material during shipment
Packaging Requirements: Shipped in sealed steel, compliant with international regulations for flammable, pyrophoric materials
Labeling: Clear, complete hazard warnings and transport symbol for flammability; no anonymous packaging
Transport Mode: Often restricted to ground or sea freight with specialized carriers

Regulatory Information

Governing Laws: Subject to national and international hazardous material codes
Occupational Limits: Not specifically defined due to rarity, but exposure should always be regarded as dangerous
Environmental Release: Must be reported and cleaned according to local and federal standards
Safety Program: Strong training, clear hazard communication, and written procedures required by many workplace health agencies