Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Diethyl Zinc
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
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.
Common Uses: 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
Class: Pyrophoric
Synonyms: Zinc diethyl
Formula: C4H10Zn
Molecular Weight: 123.51 g/mol
CAS-No.: 557-20-0
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Appearance
Form: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Safety data
Melting point/freezing point - Melting point/range: -28 °C (-18 °F) - lit.
Boiling point 117 °C (243 °F) - lit.
Flash point: -18 °C (0 °F) - closed cup
Density: 1.205 g/cm3 at 25 °C (77 °F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
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Pyrophoric liquid
Decomposes violently in water
Skin contact can cause severe burns
Fumes may cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF) and a hypothermic reaction
Fumes may cause skin and eye irritation.
Avoid inhalation of fumes
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Pyrophoric, Corrosive
GHS Classification
Flammable liquids (Category 2)
Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1)
Substances, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases (Category 1)
Skin corrosion (Category 1B)
Serious eye damage (Category 1)
Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statement(s)
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor
H250 Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air.
H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary statement(s)
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P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air
P223 Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible
flash fire.
P231 + P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P273 Avoid release to the environment
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician.
P370 + P378 In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.
P422 Store contents under inert gas.
HMIS Classification
Health hazard: 3
Flammability: 4
Physical hazards: 3
NFPA Rating
Health hazard: 3
Fire: 3
Reactivity Hazard: 3
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
Exposure Controls
OSHA or ACGIH:
TLV (TWA) = 5 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
TLV (STEL/CEIL) = 10 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
PEL (TWA) = 5 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
Basic Training Requirements
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Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must have attended the ‘Lab Safety
Fundamental Concepts’ (LSFC) classroom training offered by EH&S. Please refer to the
link below for training schedule and enrollment information:
http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Laboratory_Safety
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To work with Diethyl Zinc, the lab personnel must have had hands-on training provided
by the lab PI/Supervisor. This training must be documented in the form of a log sheet with
name of the trainer, name of the trainee, UID, date of training and signature of both
trainer & trainee.
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Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must have attended the ‘Fire Extinguisher
Hands-on Training’. Please refer to the link below for training schedule and enrollment
information: http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Fire_Extinguisher_Training
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Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must read and sign this SOP on the last page.
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Please review ‘Procedures for Safe Use of Pyrophoric Liquid Reagents’ http://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/file-storage/publicview/pdfs/SOPLiquidReagents.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protection
General guidelines: Respirators should be used only under any 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
Note: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus - SCBA must be used during spill / emergency
response.
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S.
This is a regulatory requirement. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
Hand protection
Handle with fire resistant gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact
with Diethyl zinc.
Wash with warm water and soap, dry hands.
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.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: To be stored and handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere - Dry nitrogen
containing less than 5 ppm oxygen and less than 5 ppm of moisture is recommended.
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First Aid Procedures
Note: Prompt medical attention is required in all cases of exposure to Diethyl zinc and its byproducts.
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.
Skin
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.
Eyes
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.
Inhalation
May cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF). Move exposed personnel to an uncontaminated area
quickly using Self-Contained 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.
If swallowed
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.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
 Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
 Reacts violently with water.
Conditions to avoid
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Heat
Flames and sparks.
Extremes of temperature
Direct sunlight
Exposure to moisture
Materials to avoid
Reacts violently with water and strong oxidizing agents
NOTE: This product may react violently with air, water, and compounds containing active
hydrogen such as alcohols and acids. Compounds containing oxygen or organic halide may react
vigorously upon contact with the product.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-fighting & Extinguishing Media
Conditions of flammability
Flammable in the presence of a source of ignition when the temperature is above the flash point.
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flame/hot surface.
Suitable extinguishing media
Class D fire extinguisher. Always use dry powder, soda ash or lime. Vermiculite or dry sand may
also be used.
Note: DO NOT USE water, foam or halogenated compounds (Carbon tetrachloride – CCl4 or
Chlorobromomethane) to fight fires involving organometallic materials, as product either reacts
violently or liberates toxic fumes and vapors on contact with these agents.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for fire-fighting if necessary.
Hazardous combustion products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides, Zinc/zinc
oxides
Personal precautions
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Use Personal Protective Equipment (Please refer to PPE section).
Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Remove all sources of ignition.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations.
Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
Environmental precautions
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wetbrushing and place in container for disposal. Do not flush with water.
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
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Spill – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors.
Eliminate sources of ignition if the chemical is flammable. 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.).
Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 immediately for assistance.
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 EH&S
at x59797 immediately.
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 EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
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 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your
extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA
Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: All Diethyl zinc waste containers must be tightly closed at all times and must be stored
under inert atmosphere.
Diethyl zinc waste is listed as Extremely Hazardous (EH) Waste by the State. Even the
containers (irrespective of the size) which once held Diethyl zinc must be disposed of as
hazardous waste with an on-line hazardous waste tag affixed on the container.
(http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774)
All dry hazardous waste must be double bagged (use only see through/transparent bags) and
affixed with an on-line waste tag. Note: Black, Red, Orange or Yellow bags are prohibited by
EH&S Hazardous Materials Division, for hazardous waste disposal.
On the on-line waste tag for the dry waste generated from Diethyl zinc;
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In the contents section, mention as Dry Waste
99%
Diethyl zinc
1%
Type: Solid
Note: This is just an example of the waste composition in %
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
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Label Waste
o Affix an on-line hazardous waste tag on all waste containers using the Online
Tag Program http://otp.ucop.edu/ as soon as the first drop of waste is added to
the container
Store Waste
o Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a
designated location
o Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774
o Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste
o Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days
o Call EH&S at x61887 for questions
o Empty Containers
 Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste
(irrespective of the container size)
http://ehs.ucla.edu/Pub/ExtremelyHazardousWaste.pdf
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
http://ehs.ucla.edu/pub/HazWaste%20Pickup%20Schedule.pdf
o Prepare for transport to pick-up location
 Check on-line waste tag
 Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
 Use secondary containment
 Wear eye protection & closed toe shoes; bring gloves
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy and electronic copy must be available for Diethylzinc.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure
(Add specific description of procedure)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
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Prior to conducting any work with Diethyl zinc, designated personnel must provide training to
his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance,
work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.
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The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP
and a copy of the Diethyl zinc MSDS provided by the manufacturer.
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The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last two years.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
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Date