>A safer butyl lithium quench: > >Slowly add the butyl lithium ( using a double tipped needle with nitrogen >pressure) to crushed dry ice. The butyl group adds to CO2 and forms >the lithium >salt of pentanoic acid. The dry ice also keeps everything very cold. Yes, this is another good method. And is also great for most other pyrophorics. I found a 25 mL vial with some crusty tape on around the cap in the back of the hood I inherited at MIT. No label. I picked it up and a piece of the crust fell off. Out shot this magnificent blue flame about 3" long. The opening crusted up and the flame shut off. Best guess is that it was diethyl zinc. As there was no safe or easy way to open the vial and we didn't know what it was, I crushed up a couple pounds of dry ice into a powder, nestled the vial in the middle, covered it with more crushed dry ice, and then crushed the vial. Flawless. No flame, no issues. Rob -- ===================================================== Safety Emporium - Lab & Safety Supplies featuring brand names you know and trust. Visit us at http://www.SafetyEmporium.com esales**At_Symbol_Here**safetyemporium.com or toll-free: (866) 326-5412 Fax: (859) 523-0606, 4905 Waynes Blvd, Lexington, KY 40513-1469
Previous post | Top of Page | Next post