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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Guidance on Safe Use

Guidance on Safe Use

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Administrative data

First-aid measures

Prompt medical attention is required in all cases of exposure to Trimethylaluminum and its by-products. Rescue personnel should be equipped with appropriate protective equipment (e.g. Selfcontained breathing apparatus) to prevent unnecessary exposure and must be aware of the fire and explosion potential of Trimethylaluminum.

Skin

Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation. Immediately flush affected areas with large quantities of water.

Remove affected clothing as rapidly as possible only if not stuck to skin.

Eyes

Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation.

Persons with potential exposure to Trimethylaluminum should not wear contact lenses. Flush contaminated eyes with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open to ensure complete flushing.

Inhalation

May cause irritation. Move exposed personnel to an uncontaminated area quickly using self-contained breathing apparatus. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration. Medical assistance should be sought immediately. Keep victim warm and quiet.

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing Media

Always use dry powder, soda ash or lime. Never use water, foam or halogenated compounds to fight fires involving organometallic materials. Without risk, stop flow of this compound to the fire.

Without risk, and if safe to do so, move container(s) away from fire area.

Exposure Hazards

In a controlled fire any unreacted Trimethylaluminum may re-ignite when contact with air or water is renewed.

Special Protective Equipment for Fire-Fighters

Fire resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, face shield and safety goggles, safety shoes and fire resistant gloves.

Accidental release measures

Personal Precautions

Evacuate area. Use appropriate protective equipment. Purge equipment with inert gas before attempting repairs. Ensure adequate ventilation. If leak is in container call one of the emergency numbers as appropriate.

Environmental Precautions

Try to stop release, if safe to do so.

Clean up method

Contact manufacturer for specific advice.

Handling and storage

Handling

Valve outlet seals must remain in place unless container is secured and valve outlet piped to use point. Use a check valve or trap to prevent hazardous back flow into the container. Any equipment used for Trimethylaluminum service must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to eliminate contamination and must be maintained in a leak-free state. All air and moisture in the system must be eliminated before use.

Storage

Protect containers from physical damage. Do not allow temperatures to exceed (125F) 51C. Store away from flammable material.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:
3051
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Aluminum alkyls
(Trimethylaluminum)
Chemical name:
Trimethylaluminum
Language:
English
Labels:
4.2 (4.3)
SpecialProvisionsopen allclose all

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:
3051
Shippingopen allclose all
Labels:
4.2 (4.3)
Remarksopen allclose all

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:
3051
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Aluminum alkyls (Trimethylaluminum)
Chemical name:
Trimethylaluminum
Labels:
4.2 (4.3)
Remarksopen allclose all

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:
3051
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Aluminum alkyls (Trimethylaluminum)
Chemical name:
Trimethylaluminum
Labels:
4.2 (4.3)
Remarksopen allclose all
SpecialProvisionsopen allclose all

Exposure controls / personal protection

The substance is a metal alkyl and is known to be a highly reactive compound. Most commercially available Metal Alkyls, including the subject of this registration, react explosively with water with the concurrent release of extremely flammable gases, and they are pyrophoric, i.e. they ignite spontaneously on contact with air. The hazardous properties of Metal Alkyls make it necessary to take all precautions necessary to avoid accidental spillage.

Properties of aluminium alkyls (pyrophoricity, extreme reactivity towards water, inorganic acids and bases, any other protic substances like e.g. alcohols, and high reactivity towards nearly any functional group in organic molecules) require to handle aluminium alkyls under strictly oxygen-free and totally anhydrous conditions.  Even in cases where very low amounts of oxygen and humidity (water) are present quality of said substances will be affected significantly though safety risks are excluded.

Inert gases suitable for handling of aluminium alkyls are nitrogen and argon.  Even carbon dioxide is capable to react with aluminium alkyls although reaction is relatively slow. Therefore carbon dioxide may be used as fire-fighting agent for small spillages in laboratories.

Consequently, handling of these compounds requires rigorous exclusion of air and moisture. The products are transported under a nitrogen blanket in specially designed portable tanks. Transfer of the product from the production facilities into these portable tanks, and from the tanks to the customers facilities, takes place using closed systems in dedicated unloading stations.

Due to their pyrophoric and water-reactive nature,

(a) Metal Alkyls are rigorously contained by technical means during their whole lifecycle, including manufacture, purification, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, sampling, analysis, loading and unloading of equipment or vessels, waste disposal and storage;

(b) Procedural and control technologies are in place that minimise emission and any resulting exposure;

(c) Only properly trained and authorised personnel is handling Metal Alkyls;

(d) In the case of cleaning and maintenance works, special procedures such as purging and washing are applied before the system is opened and entered;

(e) In cases of accident and where waste is generated, procedural and/or control technologies are used to minimise emissions and the resulting exposure during decontamination or cleaning and maintenance procedures;

(f) Substance-handling procedures are well documented and strictly supervised by the site operator.

All these characteristics of Metal Alkyls have pushed Metal Alkyls producers to put in place strong product stewardship practices for the manufacture, transportation, distribution and sale to ensure shared responsibility between all stakeholders in minimizing risk of leakages, personnel exposure and environmental impact by specifying appropriate containers, procedures and protective equipment, by recommending procedures for proper disposal and in actively looking for customer cooperation in audits and procedures.

Stability and reactivity

Conditions to avoid

Reacts pyrophorically in air. It decomposes slowly above 100°C

Note: Trimethylaluminum is stable indefinitely in an inert atmosphere at room temperature.

Materials to avoid

Avoid water, air or other oxidizers.

Hazardous Decomposition Products

Aluminum Oxide dust, CO, CO2

Disposal considerations

Regional and National regulations should be followed during waste disposal.