Diethylzinc

Last updated
Diethylzinc
Diethylzinc structure.svg
Diethylzinc-3D-balls.png
Names
IUPAC name
diethylzinc
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.008.330 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
EC Number
  • 209-161-3
PubChem CID
UNII
UN number 1366
  • InChI=1S/2C2H5.Zn/c2*1-2;/h2*1H2,2H3; Yes check.svgY
    Key: HQWPLXHWEZZGKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Yes check.svgY
  • InChI=1/2C2H5.Zn/c2*1-2;/h2*1H2,2H3;/rC4H10Zn/c1-3-5-4-2/h3-4H2,1-2H3
    Key: HQWPLXHWEZZGKY-GFXTWEBUAS
  • CC[Zn]CC
Properties
(C2H5)2Zn
Molar mass 123.50 g/mol
Density 1.205 g/mL
Melting point −28 °C (−18 °F; 245 K)
Boiling point 117 °C (243 °F; 390 K)
Reacts
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
Flammable and corrosive liquid, pyrophoric in air, may explode in contact with water.
GHS labelling:
GHS-pictogram-flamme.svg GHS-pictogram-acid.svg GHS-pictogram-pollu.svg
Danger
H225, H250, H260, H302+H312+H332, H314, H410
P210, P222, P223, P231+P232, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P273, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P334, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P335+P334, P363, P370+P378, P391, P402+P404, P403+P235, P405, P422, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704.svgHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propaneInstability 3: Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition but requires a strong initiating source, must be heated under confinement before initiation, reacts explosively with water, or will detonate if severely shocked. E.g. hydrogen peroxideSpecial hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid
1
4
3
W
Safety data sheet (SDS) External MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Yes check.svgY  verify  (what is  Yes check.svgYX mark.svgN ?)

Diethylzinc (C2H5)2Zn, or DEZ, is a highly pyrophoric and reactive organozinc compound consisting of a zinc center bound to two ethyl groups. This colourless liquid is an important reagent in organic chemistry. It is available commercially as a solution in hexanes, heptane, or toluene, or as a pure liquid.

Contents

Synthesis

Edward Frankland first reported the compound in 1848 from zinc and ethyl iodide, the first organozinc compound discovered. [2] [3] He improved the synthesis by using diethyl mercury as starting material. [4] The contemporary synthesis consists of the reaction of a 1:1 mixture of ethyl iodide and ethyl bromide with a zinc-copper couple, a source of reactive zinc. [5]

Structure

The compound crystallizes in a tetragonal body-centered unit cell of space group symmetry I41md. In the solid-state diethylzinc shows nearly linear Zn centres. The Zn-C bonds measure 194.8(5) pm, while the C-Zn-C angle is slightly bent with 176.2(4)°. [6] The structure of the gas-phase shows a very similar Zn-C distance (195.0(2) pm). [7]

Uses

Despite its highly pyrophoric nature, diethylzinc is an important chemical reagent. It is used in organic synthesis as a source of the ethyl carbanion in addition reactions to carbonyl groups. For example, the asymmetric addition of an ethyl group to benzaldehyde [8] and imines. [9] Additionally, it is commonly used in combination with diiodomethane as a Simmons-Smith reagent to convert alkenes into cyclopropyl groups. [10] [11] It is less nucleophilic than related alkyllithium and Grignard reagents, so it may be used when a "softer" nucleophile is needed. It is also used extensively in materials science chemistry as a zinc source in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Particularly in the formation of the zinc sulfide shell for core/shell-type quantum dots. [12] While in polymer chemistry, it can be used as part of the catalyst for a chain shuttling polymerization reaction, whereby it participates in living polymerization. [13]

Diethylzinc is not limited to only being used in chemistry. Because of its high reactivity toward air, it was used in small quantities as a hypergolic or "self igniting" liquid rocket fuel [14] :9 [15] :323—it ignites on contact with oxidizer, so the rocket motor need only contain a pump, without a spark source for ignition. Diethylzinc was also investigated by the United States Library of Congress as a potential means of mass deacidification of books printed on wood pulp paper. Diethylzinc vapour would, in theory, neutralize acid residues in the paper, leaving slightly alkaline zinc oxide residues. Although initial results were promising, the project was abandoned. A variety of adverse results prevented the method's adoption. Most infamously, the final prototype suffered damage in a series of diethylzinc explosions from trace amounts of water vapor in the chamber. This led the authors of the study to humorously comment:

It has also been established that tight or loose packing of books; the amount of alkaline reserve; reactions of DEZ with degradation products, unknown paper chemicals and adhesives; phases of the moon and the positions of various planets and constellations do not have any influence on the observed adverse effects of DEZ treatment. [16]

In microelectronics, diethylzinc is used as a doping agent.[ citation needed ]

For corrosion protection in nuclear reactors of the light water reactor design, depleted zinc oxide is produced by first passing diethylzinc through an enrichment centrifuge.

The pyrophoricity of diethylzinc can be used to test the inert atmosphere inside a glovebox. An oxygen concentration of only a few parts per million will cause a bottle of diethylzinc to fume when opened. [17]

Safety

Diethylzinc may explode when mixed with water and can spontaneously ignite upon contact with air. It should therefore be handled using air-free techniques.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organometallic chemistry</span> Study of organic compounds containing metal(s)

Organometallic chemistry is the study of organometallic compounds, chemical compounds containing at least one chemical bond between a carbon atom of an organic molecule and a metal, including alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals, and sometimes broadened to include metalloids like boron, silicon, and selenium, as well. Aside from bonds to organyl fragments or molecules, bonds to 'inorganic' carbon, like carbon monoxide, cyanide, or carbide, are generally considered to be organometallic as well. Some related compounds such as transition metal hydrides and metal phosphine complexes are often included in discussions of organometallic compounds, though strictly speaking, they are not necessarily organometallic. The related but distinct term "metalorganic compound" refers to metal-containing compounds lacking direct metal-carbon bonds but which contain organic ligands. Metal β-diketonates, alkoxides, dialkylamides, and metal phosphine complexes are representative members of this class. The field of organometallic chemistry combines aspects of traditional inorganic and organic chemistry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zinc chloride</span> Chemical compound

Zinc chloride is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula ZnCl2·nH2O, with n ranging from 0 to 4.5, forming hydrates. Zinc chloride, anhydrous and its hydrates, are colorless or white crystalline solids, and are highly soluble in water. Five hydrates of zinc chloride are known, as well as four forms of anhydrous zinc chloride.

The Simmons–Smith reaction is an organic cheletropic reaction involving an organozinc carbenoid that reacts with an alkene to form a cyclopropane. It is named after Howard Ensign Simmons, Jr. and Ronald D. Smith. It uses a methylene free radical intermediate that is delivered to both carbons of the alkene simultaneously, therefore the configuration of the double bond is preserved in the product and the reaction is stereospecific.

Metalation is a chemical reaction that forms a bond to a metal. This reaction usually refers to the replacement of a halogen atom in an organic molecule with a metal atom, resulting in an organometallic compound. In the laboratory, metalation is commonly used to activate organic molecules during the formation of C—X bonds, which are necessary for the synthesis of many organic molecules.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diethyl azodicarboxylate</span> Chemical compound

Diethyl azodicarboxylate, conventionally abbreviated as DEAD and sometimes as DEADCAT, is an organic compound with the structural formula CH3CH2−O−C(=O)−N=N−C(=O)−O−CH2CH3. Its molecular structure consists of a central azo functional group, RN=NR, flanked by two ethyl ester groups. This orange-red liquid is a valuable reagent but also quite dangerous and explodes upon heating. Therefore, commercial shipment of pure diethyl azodicarboxylate is prohibited in the United States and is carried out either in solution or on polystyrene particles.

The Reformatsky reaction is an organic reaction which condenses aldehydes or ketones with α-halo esters using metallic zinc to form β-hydroxy-esters:

Triethylborane (TEB), also called triethylboron, is an organoborane. It is a colorless pyrophoric liquid. Its chemical formula is (CH3CH2)3B or (C2H5)3B, abbreviated Et3B. It is soluble in organic solvents tetrahydrofuran and hexane.

The Blaise ketone synthesis is the chemical reaction of acid chlorides with organozinc compounds to give ketones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grignard reagent</span> Organometallic compounds used in organic synthesis

Grignard reagents or Grignard compounds are chemical compounds with the general formula R−Mg−X, where X is a halogen and R is an organic group, normally an alkyl or aryl. Two typical examples are methylmagnesium chloride Cl−Mg−CH3 and phenylmagnesium bromide (C6H5)−Mg−Br. They are a subclass of the organomagnesium compounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alkyl nitrite</span> Organic compounds of the form R–O–N=O

In organic chemistry, alkyl nitrites are a group of organic compounds based upon the molecular structure R−O−N=O, where R represents an alkyl group. Formally they are alkyl esters of nitrous acid. They are distinct from nitro compounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclopropanation</span> Chemical process which generates cyclopropane rings

In organic chemistry, cyclopropanation refers to any chemical process which generates cyclopropane rings. It is an important process in modern chemistry as many useful compounds bear this motif; for example pyrethroid insecticides and a number of quinolone antibiotics. However, the high ring strain present in cyclopropanes makes them challenging to produce and generally requires the use of highly reactive species, such as carbenes, ylids and carbanions. Many of the reactions proceed in a cheletropic manner.

The Negishi coupling is a widely employed transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. The reaction couples organic halides or triflates with organozinc compounds, forming carbon-carbon bonds (C-C) in the process. A palladium (0) species is generally utilized as the catalyst, though nickel is sometimes used. A variety of nickel catalysts in either Ni0 or NiII oxidation state can be employed in Negishi cross couplings such as Ni(PPh3)4, Ni(acac)2, Ni(COD)2 etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organozinc chemistry</span>

Organozinc chemistry is the study of the physical properties, synthesis, and reactions of organozinc compounds, which are organometallic compounds that contain carbon (C) to zinc (Zn) chemical bonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organocadmium chemistry</span>

Organocadmium chemistry describes the physical properties, synthesis, reactions, and use of organocadmium compounds, which are organometallic compounds containing a carbon to cadmium chemical bond. Cadmium shares group 12 with zinc and mercury and their corresponding chemistries have much in common. The synthetic utility of organocadmium compounds is limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rieke metal</span> Group specially prepared, highly reactive metal powder

A Rieke metal is a highly reactive metal powder generated by reduction of a metal salt with an alkali metal. These materials are named after Reuben D. Rieke, who first described along with an associate in 1972 the recipes for their preparation. In 1974 he told about Rieke-magnesium. A 1989 paper by Rieke lists several metals that are allowed by the periodic table to be produced by his process: Cd, Zn, Ni, Pt, Pd, Fe, In, Tl, Co, Cr, Mo, W, Cu, which in turn are called Rieke-nickel, Rieke-platinum, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diiodomethane</span> Chemical compound

Diiodomethane or methylene iodide, commonly abbreviated "MI", is an organoiodine compound. Diiodomethane is a very dense colorless liquid; however, it decomposes upon exposure to light liberating iodine, which colours samples brownish. It is slightly soluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. It has a very high refractive index of 1.741, and a surface tension of 0.0508 N·m−1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dimethylzinc</span> Chemical compound

Dimethylzinc, also known as zinc methyl, DMZ, or DMZn, is a toxic organozinc compound with the chemical formula Zn(CH3)2. It belongs to the large series of similar compounds such as diethylzinc.

Zinc–copper couple is an alloy of zinc and copper that is employed as a reagent in organic synthesis. The “couple” was popularized after the report by Simmons and Smith, published in 1959, on its application as an activated source of zinc required for formation of an organozinc reagent in the Simmons–Smith cyclopropanation of alkenes. The couple has been widely applied as a reagent in other reactions requiring activated zinc metal. Zinc–copper couple does not refer to a rigorously defined chemical structure or alloy composition. The couple may contain varying proportions of copper and zinc; the zinc content is typically greater than 90%, although an alloy containing similar proportions of zinc and copper is used in some cases. The couple is frequently prepared as a darkly-colored powder and is slurried in an ethereal solvent prior to being used in slight excess relative to the substrate. Activation of zinc by copper is essential to the couple’s utility, but the origin of this effect is poorly documented. It is speculated that copper enhances reactivity of zinc at the surface of the alloy.

Zinc compounds are chemical compounds containing the element zinc which is a member of the group 12 of the periodic table. The oxidation state of zinc in most compounds is the group oxidation state of +2. Zinc may be classified as a post-transition main group element with zinc(II). Zinc compounds are noteworthy for their nondescript appearance and behavior: they are generally colorless, do not readily engage in redox reactions, and generally adopt symmetrical structures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main group organometallic chemistry</span>

Main group organometallic chemistry concerns the preparation and properties of main-group elements directly bonded to carbon. The inventory is large. The compounds exhibit a wide range of properties, including ones that are water-stable and others that are pyrophoric. Many are very useful themselves, as chemical reagents, or as catalysts.

References

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