Chemical Properties
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.
Uses
Diethylmagnesium is used as intermediate inorganic synthesis.
Health Hazard
Skin contact can cause severe burns.
Fire Hazard
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).
Safety Profile
Ignites on contact with
moist air, water, or carbon dioxide. See also
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS.
