Technical Bulletin AL-164
Handling Pyrophoric Reagents
revised 6/95
I. INTRODUCTION AND PRECAUTION
Due to the hazardous nature of pyrophoric reagents, we
strongly recommend that all users read this bulletin carefully
and completely before starting any actual laboratory work. If
you are unsure of any of these procedures or if you need assis-
tance, please contact us prior to use.
All users of these reagents must be fully qualified and
experienced laboratory workers to handle pyrophoric reagents
without problems. All users must be made aware of the very
hazardous nature of these products.
Users must have read and understood our Technical
Information Bulletin No. AL-134 which describes standard
syringe and double-tipped-needle transfer techniques before
Fig. 1 Pyrophoric reagents may be packed in a variety of containers. attempting to handle liquid pyrophoric reagents (see Fig. 2).
II. NATURE OF THE REAGENTS
Flex-needle Pyrophoric reagents are extremely reactive toward oxy-
nitrogen gen and in most cases, water, and must never be exposed to
the atmosphere. Failure to follow proper handling techniques
could result in serious injury. Exposure of these reagents to
to bubbler air could result in spontaneous combustion, which could cause
serious burns or other injuries to the person handling the re-
agent or others in the immediate area.
In addition, all combustible materials, including paper
products, should not be allowed to come in contact with any
pyrophoric reagent at any time.
III. HANDLING
Pyrophoric reagents can be handled and stored safely as
Fig. 2 Double-tipped needle transfer of pyrophoric liquid.
long as all exposure to atmospheric oxygen and moisture is
avoided. Solids must be transferred under an inert atmosphere
in an efficient glove box. Liquids may be safely transferred
without the use of a glove box by employing techniques and
equipment discussed in our Technical Information Bulletin
AL-134.
Again, users must have read and understood the accom-
panying Technical Bulletin AL-134 (call us immediately for a
copy if yours has been misplaced), before attempting to handle
liquid pyrophoric reagents.
Glass bottles of pyrophoric reagents should not be handled
or stored unprotected. The metal can shipped with each bottle
Fig. 4 should be retained as a protective container for each bottle for
transporting and storage (see Fig. 3 and 4).
(OVER)
NOTE: The metal can in which
each bottle is shipped should be
retained as a protective con-
tainer for transporting and stor-
ing the bottle of reagent.
Fig. 3
Questions? or for ordering information call 800-558-9160 (USA/Canada) or 414-273-3850
IV. SPILL The essentially empty container is then rinsed three times
Powdered lime should be used to completely smother and with an inert dry solvent; this rinse solvent must also be neu-
cover any spill that occurs. tralized or hydrolyzed. The solvent must be added to and re-
moved from the container under an inert atmosphere. After
A container of powdered lime should be kept within arm’s
adding each rinse, the container is swirled or shaken. The best
length when working with a pyrophoric material.
solvent to use is the same solvent used for the solution of the
original reagent. If the container originally contained a neat
IV. DISPOSAL reagent, then use a solvent which is completely inert and
We feel that the user of the reagent is the person most unreactive toward the reagent.
familiar with the contents and should accept the responsibil- After the triple rinse is complete, the container is opened
ity for safe disposal of the empty container. to the atmosphere at a safe location, preferably outdoors or,
A container with any residual material MUST NEVER AT A MINIMUM, IN THE BACK OF A HOOD. After allow-
be opened to the atmosphere. The last traces of reagent must ing the container to be exposed to the atmosphere for at least
be removed and should be used completely for a chemical a week, the container must be triple-rinsed with water before
reaction; however, if unused and unwanted material must be disposal.
destroyed, it must be transferred to an appropriate reaction
flask for hydrolysis and/or neutralization with adequate cool-
ing.
This hazard sheet must remain with the container at all times. If you have any questions, please contact us.
AtmosBag–A controlled-atmosphere chamber Accessories
The Aldrich AtmosBag is a 0.003-in. Sealing tape
gauge PE bag that can be sealed, PP, 3in. x 60yd. Z10,692-5
purged, and inflated with an appropri-
ate inert gas, creating a portable, con- Bench-top base
venient, and inexpensive “glove box” Rigid PE, Fin. thick. Keeps AtmosBag
for handling air- and moisture-sensi- in place. Fits inside respective bag.
tive, as well as toxic, materials. Other S 11 x 16in. Z11,286-0
applications include dust-free opera- M 20 x 16in. Z11,285-2
tions, controlled-atmosphere habitat, L 24 x 34Fin. Z10,691-7
and, for the ethylene oxide-treated
Two-hand AtmosBag shown here with AtmosBag, immunological and micro- Cotton glove liners
Benchrack lattice system. biological studies. Small AtmosBags Medium weight 100% cotton form fit-
have one inlet per side. Includes in- ting, disposable style. Ambidextrous.
structions. Each package contains 12 pairs. 8in. L.
Two-hand AtmosBag S/M Z11,833-8
Ethylene M/L Z11,834-6
Uninflated dimensions (in.) Inflated oxide-treated
Size Opening Width Length volume (in.3) Cat. No. Cat. No. Lattice rods
S 12 27 30 3,000 (50L) Z11,283-6 Z11,837-0 Aluminum. M o.d. x 11Jin. L. Sections
M 24 39 48 17,000 (280L) Z11,282-8 Z11,836-2 screw together for extra height.
L 36 51 58 32,000 (520L) Z10,608-9 Z11,835-4 Z22,566-5
CAUTION: Always handle toxic materials in a hood or other controlled system to prevent and
protect against exposure in case of leakage. All products made of PE may tear, break, or
puncture. To assure that air-sensitive materials do not become exposed to air, follow
instructions on package; also test and monitor AtmosBag for leaks before and during use.
Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc.
1001 West Saint Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Telephone 414-273-3850 Fax 414-273-4979 Internet
[email protected] 800-231-8327 800-962-9591 TWX 910-262-3052
Aldrich warrants that its products conform to the information contained in this and other Aldrich publications. Purchaser must determine the suitability
of the product for its particular use. See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale.
