Product Identification

Product Name

n-Butyllithium

Synonyms

Butyllithium

CAS

109-72-8

Formula

C4H9Li

Molecular Weight

64.06

EINECS

203-698-7

Beilstein/Gmelin

1209227

Beilstein Reference

4-04-00-04419

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Clear, yellow solution. Commercially available as solutions (15%, 25%, 2 M, 2.5 M, 10 M, etc.) in alkanes such as pentane, hexanes, or heptanes.

Solubility in water

Reacts violently

Melting Point

-76

Boiling Point

decomposes

Density

0.765 g/cm3

Usage

Organic synthesis.

Vapor Density

>1

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Possible aspiration hazard. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Eyes

In case of contact with substance, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep container closed to prevent drying out. Keep under a nitrogen blanket. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep away from water. Keep away from organic halogens. Refrigerator/flammables.

Handling

Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Do not allow contact with water. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Store and handle protected from air. Do not use if the material has evaporated to dryness. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Ingestion

Aspiration hazard. May cause central nervous system depression, kidney damage, and liver damage. Causes digestive tract burns with immediate pain, swelling of the throat, convulsions, and possible coma. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. May cause corrosion and permanent tissue destruction of the esophagus and digestive tract. May cause ear ringing, blurred vision, thyroid abnormalities, photophobia, coma, and seizures.

Inhalation

high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion.

Skin

Contact with substance may cause severe burns.

Eyes

Causes severe eye burns. May cause irreversible eye injury.

Hazards

May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. May react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.

EC Risk Phrase

R 15 17 34

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 43 45

UN (DOT)

2445

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

-21

Autoignition

240

Fire Fighting

DO NOT USE WATER, carbon dioxide OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. It may react violently with water. Smothering may not be effect.

Upper exp. limit

7.4

Lower exp. limit

1.2

Fire Potential

Flammable/combustible material.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Use a fully encapsulating, vapor protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. ELIMINATE all ignition sources and prevent all contact with spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand, or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosley covered plastic containers for later disposal. This is a generic DOT guideline. EXCEPTION: For Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) spills, UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve with 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials, ignition sources, exposure to air, contact with water, organic materials, strong oxidants, exposure to moist air or water, dehydrating agents.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, lithium hydroxide, butane, oxides of lithium.

Combustion Products

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

2445

Hazard Class

4.2

Packing Group

I