trietüülalumiiniumi

Trietüülalumiinium is an organoaluminium compound with the chemical formula Al(C2H5)3. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is highly pyrophoric, meaning it ignites spontaneously upon contact with air. This reactivity makes it a hazardous substance requiring careful handling and storage. Trietüülalumiinium is soluble in many organic solvents such as hydrocarbons and ethers.

The primary industrial application of trietüülalumiinium is as a co-catalyst in Ziegler-Natta polymerization processes. These catalysts are crucial for the production of polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene, widely used in plastics manufacturing. It also finds use as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and as a precursor in the production of other organoaluminium compounds. Due to its high reactivity, it is typically transported and stored under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon. Safety precautions are paramount when working with this compound to prevent fires and explosions.