Triethylaluminum

Synonyms

ATE; Aluminum, triethyl-; TEA; Triethylalane; Triethylaluminium; [ChemIDplus] UN3051;

Category

Metals, Organic Compounds

Description

Colorless liquid; [CHRIS] Ignites in air and reacts violently with water; [Sullivan, p. 979]

Sources/Uses

Used as a catalyst (thermoplastic polymers) and pyrophoric fuel; Used for gas plating of aluminum; [Hawley] Used in incendiary munitions; [Sullivan, p. 979] Organic aluminum compounds are "some of the most important, highest volume, highest value organometallic compounds in production." [Ullmann]

Comments

Liquid may cause second or third degree burns after brief skin contact. [CHRIS] Inhalation may induce acute pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO MSDS] Pulmonary irritant and corrosive to the skin; [Sullivan, p. 981] 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irritants; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds can cause irritation or burns, depending upon concentration; [Ullmann] TLV withdrawn for aluminum alkyls because of inadequate toxicological data; [ACGIH] See "Aluminum." See "ORGANOMETALS."

Biomedical References

0.0256 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 10,000 mg/m3/15 min

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

burn readily

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing