Home > Research Safety > Research Safety Plan > Pyrophoric Chemicals

Pyrophoric Chemicals

The classes of chemicals listed below will readily oxidize and ignite spontaneously in air. Therefore, users must demonstrate to the department that they have the appropriate laboratory equipment, information, knowledge and training to use these compounds safely.

• Grignard reagents, RMgX
• Metal alkyls and aryls, such as RLi, RNa, R3Al, R2Zn
• Metal carbonyls such as Ni(CO)4, Fe(CO)5, Co2(CO)8
• Alkali metals such as Na, K
• Metal powders, such as Al, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pd, Pt, Ti, Sn, Zn, Zr
• Metal hydrides such as NaH, LiAlH4
• Nonmetal hydrides, such as B2H6 and other boranes, PH3, AsH3
• Nonmetal alkyls, such as R3B, R3P, R3As
• Phosphorus (white)