Diisobutylaluminum Hydride (DIBAH)
(i-C4H9)2AlH
Diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAH) is an excellent reducing agent, finding use in pharmaceutical, flavor, fragrance and other fine chemical processes requiring an active hydrogen reducing agent. Most applications involve reduction of carbonyl functionalities to alcohols or aldehydes and nitrogen functionalities to amines. DIBAH is soluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as ethertype solvents.
Handling Instructions
The pyrophoric nature of DIBAH presents potential hazards not common to most liquid chemicals used by industry in tank truck quantities. DIBAH, being pyrophoric, breaks into flame spontaneously and gives off dense smoke when exposed to air. It reacts violently with water. DIBAH is a clear, noncorrosive mobile liquid with a low vapor pressure. Hydrocarbon solutions of DIBAH, depending on the concentration and temperature, may not be pyrophoric. However, these solutions must still be blanketed with an inert gas such as dry nitrogen because DIBAH will react with air and moisture at the surface of the solution, giving off dense smoke, heat and flammable gas. For specific information on the safe handling and toxicity of this product, please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet, which is available upon request.
Legal Disclaimer
The information presented herein is believed to be accurate and reliable but is presented without guarantee or responsibility on the part of Albemarle Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates. It is the responsibility of the user to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to provide for a safe workplace. The user should consider any health or safety hazards or information contained herein only as a guide and should take those precautions which are necessary or prudent to instruct employees and to develop work practice procedures in order to promote a safe work environment. Further, nothing contained herein shall be taken as an inducement or recommendation to manufacture or use any of the herein materials or processes in violation of existing or future patent.