The chemical Diethyl zinc (C4H10Zn) not only affects production efficiency but also poses significant risks to the health of workers. This article will specifically analyze the impact of this substance and the necessary health protection measures in the industrial work environment.
1. What is Diethyl zinc?
Diethyl zinc, also known as DEZ, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C4H10Zn. It is an organic compound with a molecular structure consisting of four carbon (C) atoms, ten hydrogen (H) atoms, and one zinc (Zn) atom. This chemical structure allows diethyl zinc to be used in many different applications, from organic synthesis to complex chemical processes.
Diethyl zinc typically exists as a colorless liquid, has a distinct odor, and is flammable. This property makes it a particularly important substance in the synthesis of organic compounds, especially in the petrochemical and fertilizer industries. The reactivity of diethyl zinc with other organic reactions has made it an important part of many chemical synthesis processes.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dietyl kẽm | Diethyl zinc | 29319090 | 557-20-0 | C4H10Zn |
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2.Where does Diethyl zinc originate from in the production process?
Diethyl zinc (DEZ) is mainly generated as an unwanted by-product during the production of other organometallic compounds, especially dialkyl zinc. Common synthesis reactions for dialkyl zinc use zinc metal reacting with an alkyl halide, such as ethyl chloride (C2H5Cl). However, this reaction is not completely as desired and produces a small amount of DEZ as a by-product.
In addition, DEZ can also be formed through the thermal decomposition process of other dialkyl zinc compounds. At high temperatures, dialkyl zinc molecules are unstable and can decompose into DEZ along with other products.

3. Industries that use Diethyl zinc in production
Diethyl zinc (DEZ) plays an important role in many industrial production fields. Here are some typical industries that use DEZ:
Semiconductor material production: DEZ is a source of pure zinc for producing III-V semiconductor compounds such as Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and Indium phosphide (InP). They are the foundational materials for high-speed electronic components, lasers, and solar cells.
Chemical synthesis: DEZ is used as an organometallic agent in complex organic synthesis reactions. Applications include the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and liquid crystal materials.
Surface coating: DEZ is used in vapor deposition processes to create thin zinc coatings on the surface of other materials. This coating can improve electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, or other properties of the base material.
Pharmaceuticals: Some organometallic zinc compounds containing DEZ are being researched in the pharmaceutical field due to their potential anti-cancer properties.
4. How does Diethyl zinc affect workers?
Diethyl zinc (DEZ) is a volatile, colorless chemical compound often used in the production of semiconductors. Despite its important role in industry, DEZ is a dangerous neurotoxin and can cause serious health problems for workers exposed to it.
If DEZ vapor is inhaled, workers may experience acute symptoms such as: coughing, difficulty breathing, nausea, fever, chills, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, exposure to DEZ can lead to pulmonary edema, lung damage, and even death.
Not only does it cause respiratory problems, DEZ can also affect the central nervous system. Workers with long-term exposure to DEZ are at risk of developing neurological symptoms such as: confusion, fatigue, memory loss, tremors, and seizures. In addition, DEZ is also believed to have the potential to cause psychiatric illnesses such as: depression and anxiety.
To limit the effects of DEZ on worker health, preventive measures must be strictly implemented. The most important thing is to ensure the work environment is always well-ventilated, minimizing the amount of DEZ present in the air. Workers need to be equipped with specialized protective gear, including: protective clothing, poison gas masks, and eye protection. Safe work procedures also need to be clearly established to prevent accidental exposure to DEZ.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Diethyl zinc for human exposure
The permissible concentration of Diethyl zinc (DEZ) for human exposure needs to be carefully determined to ensure health safety. DEZ is an organic compound containing zinc and carbon, often used in the production process of semiconductor materials and thin films. However, DEZ is also a flammable substance and can be dangerous if not used safely.
To ensure safety upon human contact, researchers and experts have conducted studies to determine the safe threshold for DEZ. According to these studies, the permissible safe concentration of DEZ for human exposure is often determined based on factors such as exposure time, method of contact, and environmental conditions.
Studies have shown that the safe concentration of DEZ is usually limited to a very low level, often only in the ppm (parts per million) range. Limiting this concentration helps minimize the risk of causing health problems for people when exposed to this substance.

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Diethyl zinc is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to mitigate the effects of Diethyl zinc on worker health
Mitigating the effects of Diethyl zinc on the health of workers requires a series of safety measures and caution during the use of this substance in the work environment. First and foremost, training workers on the safe use of Diethyl zinc is indispensable. Employees need to be instructed on how to handle, store, and transport this substance safely to avoid accidents and unwanted incidents.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is another important step in minimizing the health risk to workers. Employees need to be provided with adequate and appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, reflective vests, and safety glasses, to protect their skin, eyes, and respiratory system from direct contact with Diethyl zinc and the vapors it emits.
To minimize potential risks, regular maintenance and inspection of safety equipment and systems are important. Production facilities need to conduct thorough checks on fire protection equipment, emergency escape systems, and measurement devices to ensure they operate effectively when needed.
Furthermore, establishing incident handling procedures and emergency response plans is necessary to deal with any undesirable situations that may occur during the use of Diethyl zinc. Employees need to be trained to know how to handle incidents quickly and effectively, and there should also be a safe evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
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8. Workplace environment monitoring quotation
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