UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Dimethylzinc
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Dimethylzinc is a pyrophoric highly flammable and toxic liquid. Contains gas under pressure; may explode
if heated.
Also known as Zinc methyl or DMZ.
Use extreme caution. Obtain special instructions before use.
Flammable in the presence of an oxidizing gas/air, or a source of ignition, and when the concentration of the
gas is between the lower and upper explosive limits. Avoid heat/sparks/open flame/hot surface/oxidizing
gas.
Risk of explosion if heated in confinement.
May be harmful if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and
upper respiratory tract. May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin and eye burns. May be harmful
if swallowed
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
Dimethylzinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
CAS#: 544-97-8
Class: Highly flammable, pyrophoric
Molecular Formula: C2H6Zn
Form (physical state): liquid
Color: clear
Boiling point: 44-46°C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Dimethylzinc is pyrophoric liquid, highly flammable, and an acute toxin.
May be harmful if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and
upper respiratory tract. May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin and eye burns. May be harmful
if swallowed.
Vapors may form explosive mixture with air. Reacts violently with water. Avoid heat, flames and sparks.
Extreme caution must be taken.
Fumes may cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF) and may cause skin and eye irritation.
Fumes have a permissible exposure limit of 5 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume).
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn in addition to glove box (see engineering controls below).
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Dimethylzinc.
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
Dimethylzinc
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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/)
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
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. As outlined in UCLA Policy 905 personnel should also wear full length pants, or equivalent, and closetoed shoes. 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: Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Avoid dust formation or
breathing vapors, mist, or gas. Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection. Keep away from
heat or sources of ignition. Prevent any build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Pyrophoric, material must be handled and stored under an inert atmosphere
of nitrogen or argon.
Flammable materials should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet. Keep container tightly closed in a cool,
dry, and well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials and conditions. Avoid dust generation,
moisture, and heat. Keep cool and protect from sunlight.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Dimethylzinc
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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.
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
Dimethylzinc
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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/)
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °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.
Dimethylzinc
5
Date: Click here to enter a date
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)