2.xx
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE IN HEPTANE/THF
CAS: 4111-54-0
Lithium Diisopropylamide (108-18-9)
Heptane (142-82-5)
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) (109-99-9)
Ethyl Benzene (100-41-4)
3
3
2
W
A. PURPOSE & SCOPE
Lithium diisopropylamide in heptane/THF is a pyrophoric material that is highly
flammable, water reactive, toxic, corrosive and known to be carcinogenic and
teratogenic. If not stored and handled properly, this can pose a serious threat to the
health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical waste
handlers.
B. INTRODUCTION
Lithium diisoproplyamide, 2.0M solution (abbreviated LDA) is a solution containing
Heptane, Tetrahydrofuran, Ethyl benzene and Diisopropylamine. It is a pyrophoric
chemical that catches fire spontaneously when exposed to air. Contact with water
releases flammable gases. It is toxic if inhaled and harmful if ingested or absorbed
through the skin. It causes burns by all exposure routes. It is a suspected carcinogen
and teratogen. Lithium diisopropylamide is a commonly used reagent in organic
synthesis. It is used as a strong base for deprotonation of weakly acidic compounds.
Danger!
Flammable
Pyrophoric
Corrosive
Water Reactive
Toxic
Carcinogenic
Teratogenic
Incompatibility
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Heat
Fire
Air
Water
Acids
Oxidizing chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Lithium oxide, hydroxide and hydride.
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE is a highly flammable liquid or vapor. It is pyrophoric
and will catch fire spontaneously if exposed to air. It reacts violently with water.
Contact with water releases flammable gases. May form explosive peroxides. Handle
and store under inert gas and protect from moisture. It is toxic if inhaled and harmful if
ingested or absorbed through the skin. It causes burns by all exposure routes. Material
is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory
tract. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. It is an aspiration hazard and may
enter lungs to cause damage. Symptoms of exposure include burning sensation,
coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting,
inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi, spasms,pneumonitis, pulmonary
edema, blurred vision, and central nervous system effects. Prolonged exposure may
casue adverse liver and kidney effects. May cause cancer. May damage fertility and
the unborn child.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES
Principal Investigators (PI)
Shall ensure that this guideline is read and implemented in their work areas and labs.
All work areas using LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE will be marked to alert all persons
of the presence of LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE or Pyrophoric. They shall ensure
that all workers using LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE receive the appropriate training
before using LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE. PIs will provide all workers with the
MSDS, protective equipment and warning signs for LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE.
PIs will notify Environmental Health & Safety of LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE use in
the laboratory. Ensure that quick-drench eyewash and safety showers are immediately
nearby.
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE (LDA) Users
Shall ensure this guideline is read and implemented in all work areas and labs that are
using, storing, and disposing of LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE. All users will attend a
documented training session on the proper handling, storage and first aid procedures
for LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE and Pyrophorics. All users will read the MSDS for
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE, know the first aid/medical treatment procedures and
spill response for LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE.
The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office
Shall ensure that PIs and users notify the Environmental Health & Safety of LITHIUM
DIISOPROPYLAMIDE use in the laboratory.
D. HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Potential Health Effects
Target Organs: Lungs, liver, kidney and central nervous system.
Inhalation: Inhalation of vapors may cause central nervous system effects including
headache, vertigo, drowsiness, anesthesia, unconsciousness, respiratory arrest.
Skin: Contact with liquid is corrosive and pyrophoric. Will cause severe burns.
Eyes: May cause irreversible eye injury. Exposure to the vapors or liquid may cause
temporary blindness. Causes severe eye burns.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Causes digestive tract burns.
Acute: No data available for the product. This product reacts with water producing
flammable gases and corrosive dusts. It is corrosive to the eyes (may cause blindness),
skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Inhalation of vapors may cause dizziness,
drowsiness, unconsciousness, respiratory irritation and irritation to eyes, skin and
mucous membranes. Ethlybenzene presents an aspiration hazard; vomiting after
ingestion and/or ingestion of this product may result in chemical pneumonitis, asphyxia
and/or fatal pulmonary edema.
Chonic: No data available for the product. Repeated oral administration of
ethylbenzene to laboratory animals caused slight liver and kidney effects. Prolonged
worker exposure to ethylbenzene has been reported to cause upper respiratory tract
irritation as well as possible gallbladder and liver effects. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact with the solvents may cause dermatitis and skin sensitization. Chronic
exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons may cause headaches, dizziness, loss of
sensations or feelings (such as numbness), liver and kidney damage. Prolonged or
repeated exposure to tetrahydrofuran has caused liver and kidney damage in laboratory
animals. It has also been reported to be fetotoxic in mice. Preliminary results of studies
conducted by the NTP on long-term inhalation effects of tetrahyrdofuran indicate clear
evidence of carcinogenicity in female mice, and some evidence in male rats.
Exposure Limits/Toxicity
Chemical Name
Tetrahydrofuran
Diisopropylamine
Ethylbenzene
n-heptane
TWA
200ppm
5ppm
100ppm
800ppm
PEL
200ppm
5ppm
100ppm
Engineering Controls
Use in closed system under argon or nitrogen. If personal contact can occur, use local
exhaust ventilation (explosion-proof), to keep airborne concentrations below exposure
limits.
E. FIRST AID
NOTE: Individuals assisting victim should wear appropriate gloves to prevent
secondary LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE exposure.
1 Skin Exposure
Immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing. Seek immediate medical attention.
2 Eye Contact
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water lifting upper and lower eyelids. Seek
immediate medical attention, while continuing to flush eyes during transport to
hospital.
3 Inhalation of Vapors
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention.
4 Ingestion of Acid
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person. Seek immediate medical attention.
F SAFETY CONTROLS:
All personnel who work with LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE should undergo safety
training prior to working with this chemical, have access to and have read the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), review and understand this guideline and understand
emergency first aid treatment for LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE exposure.
Store & handle inside a glove box (under an inert atmosphere – preferably under
Nitrogen). For additional information, please refer to the MSDS (i.e., sections on
‘Stability & Reactivity’ and ‘Handling & Storage’) from the same manufacturer.
G. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Be sure that you are using personal protective equipment that has been shown to
effectively protect against LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE exposure. Always double
check your equipment before each use of LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE.
1 Respiratory Protection
Use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combinations (US) cartridges.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls
have been exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a
possibility that PEL will be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.
 An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in
the absence of PEL).
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process.
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested
by EH&S, x51823
2 Eye Protection
ANSI approved, tight-fitting chemical splash glasses/goggles. Face shields are
highly recommended in addition to.
NOTE: Safety glasses with side protectors do not protect from splashes.
3 Body Protection
Fire-resistant lab coat made of anti-static material. Full-length pants. Closed-toed
impervious footwear, preferably leather and nylon will allow LITHIUM
DIISOPROPYLAMIDE to pass straight through to skin.
4 Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Fluorinated rubber gloves are recommended. Because this
compound contains THF, contact should be minimized. THF permeates standard
nitrile gloves in less than 1 minute.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
or
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
5 Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and
immediately after handling LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE.
H. STORAGE & HANDLING REQUIREMENTS
Engineering Controls
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE should be used in a glove box or in a closed system in
a certified chemical fume hood.
Storage
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Opened
containers must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Never allow
contact with water. Recommended storage temperature is 2-8C. Moisture and airsensitive. Handle and store under inert gas. Store in corrosives area. Containers
should be dated when received and opened, and tested periodically for peroxides.
Avoid strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, and acids
Handling
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation and ingestion. Use sparkproof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Provide adequate ventilation. Keep away
from heat and other sources if ignition- NO SMOKING. Prevent build-up of electrostatic
charge.
I. FIRE EXTINGUISHING and SPILL CLEANUP
Fire Extinguishers and Extinguishing Media
LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE is a flammable liquid and vapor. Vapors are heavier
than air. Vapors can form an explosive mixture with air. Flashback is possible.
Containers may explode when heated.
Unless you have a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask and full protective
gear, you WILL NOT engage in Fire Extinguishing activities.
Evacuate area and call 9-1-1.
Spills Outside Inert Gas Glove Box
Remove all personal from lab and immediately call EH&S at (480) 965-1823, or 9-1-1
after hours.
Chemical Spill on body or clothes
Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15
minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and ASU EH&S at (480) 965-1823.
Chemical Splash into Eyes
Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes by
forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and ASU EH&S
at (480) 965-1823.
Spills Inside Inert Gas Glove Box
Inform all personnel of the spill. Restrict access to Glove Box until spill is cleaned up
and neutralized. Spread absorbent (vermiculite or sand) onto spill. Allow LITHIUM
DIISOPROPYLAMIDE to be absorbed. Transfer absorbent/LITHIUM
DIISOPROPYLAMIDE to an air tight container. Do not flush with water.
J. DECONTAMINATION/WASTE DISPOSAL
No waste streams containing LITHIUM DIISOPROPYLAMIDE shall be disposed of in
sinks. Wash hands and arms with soap and water after finished. Contaminated pipette
tips, tubes and gloves should be collected as hazardous waste in an air tight container
with inert atmosphere.
1 Label waste
Attach a completed ASU Hazardous Waste tag to all waste containers as soon as
the first drop of waste is added to the container. Containers of LITHIUM
DIISOPROPYLAMIDE waste must be labeled with the following: “DANGER,
PYROPHORIC HAZARD”.
2 Store waste
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a
designated storage location.
Double-bag dry waste using sealable transparent bags.
Waste must be under the control of the person generating and disposing of it.
3 Dispose of waste
Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days.
Use EHS Assistant online hazardous waste pick-up request system.
Contact ASU EH&S at (480) 965-1823 with questions.