ALKALI METAL ALCOHOLATES, SELF-HEATING, CORROSIVE, N.O.S.

Alkoxides of sodium, potassium or other alkali metal (examples: sodium ethoxide NaOC2H5 and potassium isopropoxide KOC3H7). Free-flowing hygroscopic powders. Contact may burn skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Obtain the technical name of the material from the shipping papers and contact CHEMTREC (800-424-9300) for specific response information.

• Strong Oxidizing Agent
• Water-Reactive
• Pyrophoric

Hygroscopic. Heat up on exposure to moist air and generate flammable fumes. The heat can ignite the fumes and the material itself (sodium ethoxide self-ignites between 30 and 50°C.) React with water to give strongly basic solutions.

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

Extremely flammable; will ignite itself if exposed to air. Burns rapidly, releasing dense, white, irritating fumes. Substance may be transported in a molten form. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Corrosive substances in contact with metals may produce flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. TOXIC; ingestion of substance or inhalation of decomposition products will cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Some effects may be experienced due to skin absorption. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2020)

ALKALI METAL ALCOHOLATES, SELF-HEATING, CORROSIVE, N.O.S. are strongly basic. React violently with acids.

• Bases, Strong

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

SMALL FIRE: Water spray, wet sand or wet earth.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with water, sand or earth. Shovel into metal container and keep material under water.

LARGE SPILL: Dike for later disposal and cover with wet sand or earth. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. For Phosphorus (UN1381): Special aluminized protective clothing should be worn when direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2020)

No information available.

Excerpt from 136 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. In case of contact with substance, keep exposed skin areas immersed in water or covered with wet bandages until medical attention is received. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site and place in metal container filled with water. Fire hazard if allowed to dry. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)

• ALKALI METAL ALCOHOLATES, SELF-HEATING, CORROSIVE, N.O.S.