Diisobutylaluminum hydride

Synonyms

Al-Alchili [Italian]; Al-Diisobutyl; Aluminum, diisobutylhydro-; Aluminum, hydrobis(2-methylpropyl)-; Aluminum, hydrodiisobutyl-; Bis(isobutyl)hydroaluminum; Dibal-H; Diisobutylaluminium hydride; Diisobutylaluminum; Diisobutylhydroaluminum; Hydrobis(2-methylpropyl)aluminum; Hydrodiisobutylaluminum; [ChemIDplus] UN3051

Category

Metals, Organic Compounds

Description

Colorless liquid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a reducing agent (pharmaceuticals, aldehydes, amides, and olefins), a polymerization catalyst for polyethylene, and an intermediate in silicones, certain polymers, and organic acid synthesis; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds are "some of the most important, highest volume, highest value organometallic compounds in production." [Ullmann]

Comments

Spontaneously ignites in air; [Hawley] Stored 25% w/w in hexane; Pyrophoric; Reacts violently with water, evolving extremely flammable gases; A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; May have CNS effects; [MSDSonline] 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irritants; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds can cause irritation or burns, depending upon concentration; [Ullmann] TLV withdrawn for aluminum alkyls because of inadequate toxicological data; [ACGIH] See "Aluminum."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

Yes

Yes

LCLo (guinea pigs) = 70,000 mg/m3/1h

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Aluminum alkyls." Not TIH in land-based spills, but TiH substance released when spilled in water; [ERG 2016]

burn readily

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic