diethylberyllium

Chemical properties

Volatile, colorless oily liquid; reacts violently with water, HCl, and alcohols; boils at 63C, combusts spontaneously in air releasing beo as dense white smoke

The Uses of diethylberyllium

Diethylberyllium is used as an intermediatein organic synthesis.

Hazard

Extremely hazardous; very poisonous; carcinogen.

Health Hazard

An accidental spill of the pure liquid or itsconcentrated solution on the skin can causea severe burn.

Fire Hazard

Diethylberyllium ignites spontaneously in air, producing dense white fumes of beryllium oxide. Ether solution of this compound is also highly flammable, igniting spontaneously in air. It reacts explosively with water. Reactions with lower alcohols, halogens, halogenated hydrocarbons, ammonia, and oxidizers may proceed to explosive violence.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. Very poisonous. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Spontaneously flammable in air. Can react vigorously with oxidzing materials. To fight fire, use special extingushing agents, dry chemical. Explodes on contact with water. Upon decomposition it emits poisonous fumes of BeO. See also BERYLLIUM COMPOUNDS.