Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
General Description
Colorless liquid, dyed red, orange or blue. Has a slight musty odor. Used as an antiknock additive for gasolines; component of mixed alkyl leads for gasoline additives.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable.
Reactivity Profile
Tetramethyllead is sensitive to heat. Tetramethyllead can react with strong oxidizers.
Health Hazard
Vapors are very toxic. Fatal lead poisoning may occur by ingestion, vapor inhalation or skin absorption. Several cases of acute toxicity, usually in the form of degenerative brain disease, have been described following occupational exposure.
Fire Hazard
Thermal decomposition is likely to take the form of vapors at the surface. Rapid decomposition will cause container to explode. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Toxic gases are generated in fire. Avoid strong oxidizers such as sulfuryl chloride or potassium permanganate. Avoid fire, heat, physical damage, and strong oxidizers. Starts to decompose at about 212F. If confined, may explode or detonate at high temperatures. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.
Potential Exposure
Those engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and blending into gasoline of this antiknock agent for aviation gasoline.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Effects may be delayed; medical observation is recommended.
Shipping
UN1649 Motor fuel antiknock mixtures, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Highly flammable liquid; Vapors may form explosive mixture with air. Violent reaction with oxidizers, such as sulfuryl chloride or potassium permanganate; strong acids; especially nitric acid; chemically active metals. Decomposes and may explode in heat above 90C. Attacks rubber.
Waste Disposal
Controlled incineration with scrubbing for collection of lead oxides which may be recycled or landfilled. It is also possible to recover alkyl lead compounds from wastewaters (A-58) as an alternative to disposal.
Definition
ChEBI: Tetramethyllead is an organolead compound.
Hazard
Flammable, moderate fire risk. Toxic by
ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Lower explosion level 1.8%. Central nervous system
impairment. Questionable carcinogen.
Carcinogenicity
TML was not mutagenic in a number of
bacterial strains with or without metabolic
activation.
