UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Diethyl Zinc
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Diethyl Zinc is pyrophoric (air reactive), hygroscopic (moisture sensitive), heat sensitive and a highly water
reactive chemical. It should therefore be handled under inert atmosphere. If not handled properly, this can
pose a serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical
waste handlers. This SOP helps to understand how to properly store, handle and dispose of Diethyl Zinc.
Diethyl Zinc is used in organic synthesis as a source of the ethyl synthon in addition reactions to carbonyl
groups. Because of its high reactivity toward air, it was used in small quantities as a hypergolic or "self
igniting" liquid rocket fuel -- it ignites on contact with oxidizer, so the rocket motor need only contain a pump,
without a spark source for ignition. In microelectronics, diethyl zinc is used as a doping agent.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 557-20-0
Class: Pyrophoric
Molecular Formula: C4H10Zn
Form (physical state): Liquid
Diethyl Zinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 117 °C (243 °F) - lit.
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
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Pyrophoric liquid that decomposes violently in water
Fumes may cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF) and a hypothermic reaction
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Pyrophoric, Corrosive
Pictogram
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes Causes eye burns.
Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Cough, Shortness of breath, Headache and Nausea
Engineering Controls
Diethyl Zinc should be used in a glove box filled with inert gas, or in a closed system in a certified fume hood.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Diethyl Zinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Please use the glove box gloves and sleeves or if this chemical is handled in a closed system in a certified fume
hood use appropriate chemical resistant gloves.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Diethyl Zinc
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/
Eye Protection
Safety goggles & face shield.
Skin and Body Protection
Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based). Cotton based clothing/attire. Full length pants or
equivalent
Close toed shoes (safety shoes)
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Diethyl
zinc.
First Aid Procedures
Note: Prompt medical attention is required in all cases of exposure to Diethyl zinc and its by-products.
Rescue personnel should be equipped with appropriate protective equipment (e.g. Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus - SCBA) to prevent unnecessary exposure and must be aware of the fire and explosion
potential of Diethyl zinc.
If inhaled
May cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF). Move exposed personnel to an uncontaminated area quickly using SelfContained Breathing Apparatus - SCBA. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has stopped, apply
artificial respiration. Medical assistance should be sought immediately. Keep victim warm and quiet.
In case of skin contact
Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation.
Immediately flush affected areas with large quantities of water.
Remove affected clothing as rapidly as possible only if not stuck to skin.
In case of eye contact
Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation.
Persons with potential exposure to Diethyl zinc should not wear contact lenses. Flush contaminated eyes with
large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open to ensure complete flushing.
If swallowed
Diethyl Zinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
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Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
To be handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere.
Conditions for safe storage
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Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Store under an inert atmosphere.
Dry nitrogen is a suitable inert gas. Note: Dry nitrogen containing less than 5 ppm oxygen and less
than 5 ppm of moisture is recommended.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Never allow product to get in contact with water during storage.
Air sensitive.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Diethyl Zinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
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Diethyl Zinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Diethyl Zinc
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)