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Magnesium Diethyl is colorless liquid; forms solvated crystalsfrom ether, (C2H5)2Mg·(C2H5)2O; loses itsether of crystallization when heated undervacuum; freezes at 0°C (32°F); decomposesat 250°C (482°F) under high vacuum; solublein ether.

Diethylmagnesium is used as intermediate inorganic synthesis.

Skin contact can cause severe burns.

Diethylmagnesium catches fire spontaneously in air. It is susceptible to glow and can catch fire in other gases, as well, that contain oxygen atoms in the molecules, such as N2O and even CO2. It explodes with water. The ether solution of the compound is also susceptible to ignition, upon contact with water (Bretherick 1995). It reacts violently with lower alcohols and ammonia (Sidgwick 1950).