Butyllithium
Agent Name
Butyllithium
CAS Number
109-72-8
Formula
C4-H9-Li
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Butyllithium in hydrocarbon solvents; Lithium, butyl-; [ChemIDplus] n-Butyllithium; [MSDSonline] UN2845
Category
Metals, Organic Compounds
Description
Available in solution of C5 to C7 hydrocarbons; [Hawley] In cyclohexane solution: Water-white to pale yellow liquid with a petroleum-like odor; [CAMEO] In n-hexane solution: Yellow liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used to make isoprene and butadiene polymers and lithium hydride; Also used as a rocket fuel component and "metalating agent"; [Hawley]
Comments
An irritant; Solid and solution highly flammable; Ignites in moist air; [Hawley] May cause burns; May ignite upon exposure to air; Reacts with water evolving heat and flammable gases; [CAMEO] Pyrophoric; Gives off flammable gas in contact with water; Corrosive to skin and eyes; [eChemPortal: ERMA] Liberates extremely flammable gases on contact with water; A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline] See "Lithium."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Pyrophoric liquid, organic, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.