DEZ (Diethylzinc)

About this product

DEZ is a zinc alkyl used as chain-shuttling agent in block copolymer polymerization.

Chemical family: Metal Alkyls organometallics CAS number: 557-20-0 Physical form: Liquid Regional availability: Africa, Asia, Asia Pacific, China, Europe, India, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Oceania Molecular Weight: 123.5 Chemical name: Diethylzinc

Applications: DEZ in low concentrations is an effective chain transfer agent for molecular weight control in Ziegler-Natta polymerization of olefins. It is useful in the production of polyethylene film with improved resistance to gelstreaking and pinstriping. It is also used as a scavenger to remove poisons from polyethylene reactors. DEZ has been used in a process for the preservation of books made with modern pulp-based paper. DEZ is also used in pharmaceutical applications where it is used mainly because stereo specifically reactions can be carried out. Well known is the Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation. DEZ is also useful in catalytic asymmetric addition to aldehydes or ketones forming chiral secondary or tertiary alcohols.

Market segment: Polymer production Detailed description: DEZ is a zinc alkyl used as chain-shuttling agent in block copolymer polymerization. It can also be used as scavenging agent for HDPE production units Functions: Cocatalyst Applications: Rubber, Polyethylene

Market segment: Pharmaceutical industry Detailed description: DEZ is a zinc alkyl used in pharmaceutical applications for a variety of transformations including those of asymmetric nature. Functions: Chemical Reagent Applications: Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemicals

Product data sheet (Pharmaceutical industry, 2026-6-22): Applications: DEZ in low concentrations is an effective chain transfer agent for molecular weight control in Ziegler-Natta polymerization of olefins. It is useful in the production of polyethylene film with improved resistance to gelstreaking and pinstriping. It is also used as a scavenger to remove poisons from polyethylene reactors. DEZ has been used in a process for the preservation of books made with modern pulp-based paper. DEZ is also used in pharmaceutical applications where it is used mainly because stereo specifically reactions can be carried out. Well known is the Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation. DEZ is also useful in catalytic asymmetric addition to aldehydes or ketones forming chiral secondary or tertiary alcohols. Storage: DEZ and its solutions are stable when stored under a dry, inert atmosphere and away from heat. CAUTION: Neat DEZ may undergo violent exothermic decomposition with flammable gas evolution if stored at temperatures above 70°C (see section on Safety & handling). Packaging and transport: DEZ and its solutions are available worldwide in cylinders and portable tanks. In North America only, DEZ is also available in tank trailers and rail cars. Containers are fabricated from carbon steel and are equipped with dip tubes for top discharge and all connections are located in the vapor space. Both packaging and transport meet the international regulations. Safety and handling: DEZ ignites upon exposure to air and reacts violently with water. Hydrocarbon solutions of DEZ may also ignite upon exposure to air. DEZ and its solutions must be handled under a dry, inert atmosphere, e. g. nitrogen or argon. Neat DEZ may undergo exothermic decomposition with evolution of flammable gas if stored above 70°C. The decomposition may become self-accelerating and UNCONTROLLABLE and may result in a violent runaway reaction if heated above 120°C. Water must be scrupulously removed from process equipment prior to putting it into metal alkyls service. Failure to do so may result in an explosion. Products of complete combustion of DEZ and its solutions are zinc oxide, carbon dioxide and water. DEZ causes severe burns to the skin and eyes. It is imperative that proper personal protective equipment be worn when handling DEZ. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for further information on the safe storage, use and handling of DEZ. This information should be thoroughly reviewed prior to acceptance of this product. The SDS is available at nouryon.com/sds-search. Additional information: Availability: DEZ is a commercial product available as the neat pyrophoric liquid and as pyrophoric and nonpyrophoric solutions in a variety of hydrocarbon solvents. Consult your Nouryon representative for further information.

Product data sheet (Polymer production, 2026-6-22): Applications: as above. Storage: as above. Packaging and transport: as above. Safety and handling: as above. Additional information: as above.

Source: https://www.nouryon.com/product/dez-diethylzinc-cas-557-20-0/