UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Zinc Alkyl Reagents
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Type of SOP:
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Zinc alkyl reagents are classified as flammable liquids, pyrophoric and water reactive. They react violently
with water liberating extremely flammable gas. Spontaneously flammable in air and causes burns. Dangers of
serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. Pose a possible risk of an impaired
fertility. Extreme caution is advised. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.
Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Vapors
may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
It has applications in a variety of organic synthesis reactions. Some examples include dimethylzinc and
diethyl zinc.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: N/A
Class: Pyrophoric, Flammable liquid, Water reactive
Molecular Formula: N/A
Form (physical state): solid or liquid
Zinc Alkyl Reagents
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Color: colorless
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Zinc alkyl reagents are classified as flammable liquids, pyrophoric and water reactive. They react violently
with water liberating extremely flammable gas. Spontaneously flammable in air and causes burns.
Dangers of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. Pose a possible risk of an
impaired fertility. Extreme caution is advised. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative
changes in the mouth and necrosis of the jaw.
The following applies to zinc compounds in general. High concentrations of zinc oxide fume may result in
metal fume fever, an industrial disease of short duration.
No permissible exposure limit data is available.
No acute toxicity data is available.
Engineering Controls
Use of a glove box is required when working with pyrophoric solids or liquids.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator 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
Gloves must be worn. Use proper glove removal technique to avoid any skin contact. Nitrile gloves are
recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Zinc alkyl reagents.
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
ANSI approved properly fitting safety glasses or chemical splash goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Flame resistant lab coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and buttoned to their
full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure while wearing
gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying
the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and
consult a physician. Seek immediate medical attention and continue eye rinse during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Pyrophoric, use extreme care when handling. Store under inert gas. Do not
expose to air. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Keep away from sources of ignition. Avoid
heat and shock or friction when handling.
Precautions for safe storage: Pyrophoric. Store under inert gas. Do not expose to air. Wash hands thoroughly
after handling. Minimize the generation and accumulation of dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Keep containers tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from incompatible
substances.
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.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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.
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:
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Zinc Alkyl Reagents
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)