Methyl aluminum sesquibromide
Agent Name
Methyl aluminum sesquibromide
CAS Number
12263-85-3
Formula
C3-H9-Al2-Br3
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Aluminum, tribromotrimethyldi-; Methylaluminum sesquibromide; Tribromotrimethyldialuminum; [ChemIDplus] UN3051
Category
Metals, Organic Compounds
Description
Cloudy yellow liquid; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as catalyst for polymerization of olefins and hydrogenation of aromatics; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds are "some of the most important, highest volume, highest value organometallic compounds in production." [Ullmann]
Comments
Aluminum alkyl halides release large amounts of HCl when spilled in water; [ERG 2016] Produces hydrogen bromide when decomposes; [Sax] Reacts violently with water and air; 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irritants; [HSDB] Organic aluminum compounds can cause irritation or burns, depending upon concentration; [Ullmann] TLV withdrawn for aluminum alkyls because of inadequate toxicological data; [ACGIH] See "Aluminum."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
Exposure Assessment
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
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]
NFPA
burn readily
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: