Tetraethyl lead (as Pb)

Synonyms & Trade Names

Lead tetraethyl, TEL, Tetraethylplumbane

CAS No.

78-00-2

RTECS No.

TP4550000

DOT ID & Guide

1649 131

Formula

Pb(C₂H₅)₄

Conversion

IDLH

40 mg/m³ (as Pb)
See: 78002

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

TWA 0.075 mg/m³ [skin]

OSHA PEL

TWA 0.075 mg/m³ [skin]

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 2533
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Colorless liquid (unless dyed red, orange, or blue) with a pleasant, sweet odor. [Note: Main usage is in anti-knock additives for gasoline.]

Molecular Weight

323.5

Boiling Point

228°F (Decomposes)

Freezing Point

-202°F

Solubility

0.00002%

Vapor Pressure

0.2 mmHg

Ionization Potential

11.10 eV

Specific Gravity

1.65

Flash Point

200°F

Upper Explosive Limit

Lower Explosive Limit

1.8%

Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200°F.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, sulfuryl chloride, rust, potassium permanganate [Note: Decomposes slowly at room temperature and more rapidly at higher temperatures.]

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

insomnia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), anxiety; tremor, hyper-reflexia, spasticity; bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, pallor, nausea, anorexia, weight loss; confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, convulsions, coma; eye irritation

Target Organs

central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact (>0.1%)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated (>0.1%)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (>0.1%)
Change:Daily
Provide:Quick drench (>0.1%)

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 0.75 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 1.875 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 3.75 mg/m³:
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 40 mg/m³:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

Tetraethyl lead (as Pb)

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

Follow NIOSH

NIOSH Homepage