Triisobutylaluminum

Synonyms

Aluminum, triisobutyl-; Aluminum, tris(2-methylpropyl)-; Tibal; Triisobutyl aluminum; Triisobutylalane; Triisobutylaluminium; Triisobutylaluminum; Tris(2-methylpropyl)aluminum; Tris(isobutyl)alane; Tris(isobutyl)aluminum; [ChemIDplus] TIBA; [CHEMINFO MSDS] UN3051

Category

Metals, Organic Compounds

Description

Colorless liquid; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as a chemical intermediate and a polymerization catalyst to produce polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and polypropylene; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds are "some of the most important, highest volume, highest value organometallic compounds in production." [Ullmann]

Comments

In animal studies, heavy inhalation exposure causes CNS depression and dyspnea. [ChemIDplus] Liquid may cause second or third degree burns after brief skin contact. [CHRIS] Inhalation can induce acute pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO MSDS] Organoaluminum compounds are corrosive; Harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled; The butyl alkyls and below are pyrophoric; Aluminum alkyls are eye irritants; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds can cause irritation or burns, depending upon concentration; [Ullmann] TLV withdrawn for aluminum alkyls because of inadequate toxicological data; [ACGIH] Pyrophoric; Reacts violently with water evolving flammable gas; [CAMEO] See "Aluminum." See "ORGANOMETALS."

Biomedical References

0.133 mm Hg

LCLo (rat) = 8,000 ppm/1hr

Explanatory Notes

TLV withdrawn in 2008 with adoption of "Aluminum metal and insoluble compounds"; TLV not recommended for soluble nor for alkyl Al cmpnds; [ACGIH] The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Aluminum alkyls." VP = 1 mm Hg @ 47 deg C; [HSDB];

burn readily

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Plastic Composites Manufacturing