Diethylaluminum chloride
[CAS# 96-10-6]

Identification

• Classification: Pharmaceutical intermediate >> Heterocyclic compound intermediate >> Pyrimidine compound >> Aldehyde intermediate
• Name: Diethylaluminum chloride
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀AlCl
• Molecular Weight: 120.56
• CAS Registry Number: 96-10-6
• EC Number: 202-477-2
• SMILES: CC[Al](CC)Cl

Properties

• Density: 0.887 g/mL (25 ºC)
• Melting point: -85 ºC
• Flash point: -18 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS05 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H225-H250-H260-H21-H314-H318
• Precautionary Statements: P210-P222-P223-P231-P231+P232-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P260-P264-P264+P265-P280-P301+P330+P331-P302+P335+P334-P302+P361+P354-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P321-P363-P370+P378-P402+P404-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Pyrophoric liquids	Pyr. Liq.	1	H250
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Substances or mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases	Water-react.	1	H260
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Substances or mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases	Water-react.	2	H261
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Self-heating substances or mixtures	Self-heat.	2	H252
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1	H314

• Transport Information: UN 3394

Discovory and Applicatios

Diethylaluminum chloride (DEAC) is a valuable organoaluminum compound known for its unique chemical properties and wide range of applications in various industries. Its discovery and usefulness have made it an important substance in modern chemistry and materials science.

Diethylaluminum chloride was first synthesized in the early 20th century as part of research on organometallic compounds. The compound is an organoaluminum reagent with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀AlCl. It was originally developed to explore its potential as a catalyst and reagent in organic synthesis. Over time, its unique reactivity and role in polymer chemistry were recognized, leading to its widespread application.

DEAC is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly reactive and sensitive to moisture, forming hydrochloric acid and aluminum hydroxide upon contact with water. The compound has a boiling point of 71°C and is soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and toluene. Its reactivity and solubility properties make it a valuable tool in chemical synthesis.

Diethylaluminum chloride is widely used as a catalyst for olefin polymerization, especially in the production of polyethylene and other high-performance polymers. It acts as a co-catalyst along with other compounds to facilitate the polymerization process and enhance the properties of the resulting material.

In organic chemistry, DEAC is used as a reagent for a variety of chemical transformations. It is used to synthesize complex organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its ability to react with a wide range of substrates makes it a versatile tool in synthetic chemistry.

The compound functions in hydroformylation reactions, where it acts as a catalyst to convert olefins into aldehydes. This process is important for the production of a variety of aldehydes used in the manufacture of detergents, plasticizers, and other industrial chemicals.

DEAC is used in surface treatment applications to modify the properties of metals and other materials. It helps improve the adhesion and bonding of coatings and can improve the durability and performance of surface treatments.

Diethylaluminum chloride is used in research laboratories to study its reactivity and applications. Its role as a reagent and catalyst provides valuable insights into chemical reaction mechanisms and the development of new materials.

Ongoing research focuses on optimizing the use of DEAC in various industrial processes and exploring new applications. Innovations in catalyst design and green chemistry are expected to improve the efficiency and sustainability of DEAC-based processes.

References

2024. Binary Mixtures (AlknAlCl3-n + Alk2Mg) as Catalyst Components for Ethylene Polymerization and the Role of Titanium Oxidation State in Their Catalytic Activity. Petroleum Chemistry, 64(4).
DOI: 10.1134/s0965544124040054

2023. Group 13 metal compounds as catalyst for the homopolymerization of epoxides. Journal of Polymer Research, 30(12).
DOI: 10.1007/s10965-023-03853-w

2023. Olefin Polymerization Behavior of Titanium(IV) Complexes with Fluorinated and Non-fluorinated Aliphatic Phenoxyimine Ligands. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 41(9).
DOI: 10.1007/s10118-023-3032-1