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Chemical Name: Methyllithium
Common Synonyms: Methyl lithium, MeLi
Chemical Formula: CH3Li
Primary Use: Organolithium reagent for synthesis in chemical and pharmaceutical research
Physical Hazards: Spontaneously flammable in air, catches fire on contact with water or moist air
Health Dangers: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if inhaled or ingested, risk of severe respiratory tract irritation
Environmental Risks: Toxic to aquatic organisms, persistent in soil and water if spilled
Precaution Statements: Always handle with extreme caution, away from ignition sources and incompatible materials
Main Ingredient: Methyllithium (60–80% in hydrocarbon solution, most often in diethyl ether or hexane)
Impurities: Trace dimethyl ether, lithium hydride, higher hydrocarbons
Stabilizer: Sometimes present in commercial solutions, varies with supplier
If on Skin: Immediately flush area with copious water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention without delay
If Inhaled: Move affected person to fresh air, keep comfortable and warm, contact poison control or emergency responders right away
If in Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for at least fifteen minutes, remove lenses if possible, seek ophthalmic care urgently
If Swallowed: Never induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek emergency care, inform responders about the chemical
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder (class D), do not use water, foam, or CO2 directly on burning chemical
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic lithium oxide, methane, and other organic vapors upon combustion
PPE for Firefighters: Full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Tactics: Isolate area, remove other chemicals if safe, cool surrounding containers with water spray to avoid overheating, do not touch spilled material
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, ventilate area, wear full splash suit and positive pressure respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to waterways, contain spill with non-combustible absorbent
Cleanup Methods: Scoop up solid residues with explosion-proof equipment, neutralize remaining traces with dry sand or suitable neutralizing compound prior to disposal
Safe Handling: Work only in inert atmosphere (glovebox or Schlenk line), keep containers tightly closed, avoid inhaling vapors and contact with skin or clothing
Storage Conditions: Store away from water, acids, halogens, oxidizers, and air; best in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area shielded from light
Incompatible Materials: Never store near alcohols, ketones, or other reactive organics
Engineering Controls: Thorough local exhaust, use inside glovebox or ventilated enclosure to limit exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Flame-resistant lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile with over-glove), splash-proof goggles, face shield, and closed footwear
Monitoring: Track oxygen and moisture in the environment, regular inspection of containment systems
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow solution in ether or hydrocarbon
Odor: Sharp, irritating (although detection often not reliable)
Boiling Point: Varies depending on solvating hydrocarbon
Density: Lower than water
Reactivity: Extremely moisture and air sensitive, reacts vigorously with water producing flammable gases
Solubility: Not soluble in water, soluble in ether or hydrocarbon solvents
Chemical Stability: Unstable when exposed to air and moisture
Reacts With: Water, CO2, oxygen, alcohols, halogenated compounds, acids, and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Methane, lithium hydroxide, various hydrocarbons, lithium oxide fumes
Acute Toxicity: Corrosive to skin, eyes, mucous membranes; ingestion and inhalation lead to pulmonary edema, chemical burns
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposures can damage respiratory tract, kidney, and liver function; hypersensitivity possible in the workplace
Routes of Entry: Skin, eyes, inhalation, and accidental ingestion
Environmental Fate: Reacts with moisture in soil and water, persists by forming lithium salts and methane
Aquatic Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life, rapid depletion of oxygen in water bodies due to methane release
Soil Impact: Alters soil chemistry if not contained, risk of long-term contamination
Safe Disposal: Destroy chemical under controlled inert atmosphere, neutralize with alcohol under professional supervision, manage resulting waste as hazardous material
Never Dispose: In regular trash, down the drain, or in municipal waste systems
Best Practice: Use specialized chemical waste centers that comply with hazardous waste regulations
UN Number: Restricted as a dangerous good by road, air, and sea
Packing Group: Category I (high degree of danger)
Transport Hazards: May react during transport if improperly sealed; thermal surges and mechanical shock can rupture containers
Transport Label: Flammable solid, corrosive liquid, dangerous when wet
Hazard Classification: Listed under OSHA, REACH, and international GHS regulations as a highly flammable and corrosive chemical
Workplace Regulations: Strict exposure limits, compulsory hazard training, and engineering controls for all who use or transport methyllithium
Inventory Status: Covered by TSCA and several national hazardous substance inventories due to acute dangers and environmental persistence
