Document 2NaG3VdmdJj7Epn2p2K1oOedR

Dr. R. C. A. Bock L. Lester Toxicity of Compounds in AF-3 Production r j. xJ i'-.3 J R. A* hehoe (2) Dr. w . B. Llgett Dr. P. a . i-icKim Mr. * J. oargeya Dr. H. Shapiro Mr. J.. S. Taylor Baton Rouge Orangeburg July 17, 19$b Me have been requested to produce at Orangeburg $00 pounds of Af-3 (methyl cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl). Briefly the process is as follows: ' (1) At 180 C, react tho dimer of methyl cyclopentadiene with molten metallic sodium in a diethyl carbitol or dibutyl carbitol medium. (2) To the reaction mass of (1), which contains the desired intermediate, sodium methyl cyclopentadiene, add anhydrous manganese chloride at lj.0 C. Sodium chloride is formed as a by product. < (j) React at 160 C and $00 pounds `pressure the second intermediate, still in the reaction mass of (2), with carbon monoxide. AP-3 is produced. Some free manganese raay also be produced. . (10 Recover the AP-3 froft the reaction mass by distillation from the reaction mass following a water extraction to remove sodium chloride. It is anticipated that approximately 20 pounds of AP-3 will be produced in each batch. A total production of loO pounds per day AP-3 is predicted. Le propose to operate a closed system, except for the manganese chloride addition step, xtfhich would require momentary opening of the reaction vessel, neither carbon monoxide nor AP-3 would be present in this reaction vessel. We are familiar with the hazards of handling metallic sodium. Vie are not familiar, however, with the hazards of handling the other compounds mentioned above. We propose to us goggles for eye protection and rubber gloves for handling materials. This process is to be Kf 0019284 Dr. a. C. A. Bock 2 July .17 1936 carried out in an unwalled outside installation, so the venti lation is believed to be adequate. four advice as to a definition of the hazardsinvolved in this process, and means of controlling these hazards would be appreciated. A summary of toxicological data for some of the com pounds involved in the A1-3 process is attached for your use. LSL/bwm Enclosure L, B. Lester 0018285 TOXICOLOGICAL DATA FOR COMPOUNDS .INVOLVES' IN AP-^ PRODUCTION -- A review of published data available for some of these compounds reveals the following: Diethyl carbitol can cause opaque cornea, keratoconus and necrosis of the eye* "Toxlc Eye Hazards", Publ. i|.9lj. Nat. Soc. Prevention of Blindness, Inc. Handbook of Dangerous Materials recommends goggles for liquid exposure and goggles or plastic acid hood for vapor exposure. The material is not considered to be a serious Inhalation hazard according to Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations. . Manganese in finely divided form can cause a fire hazard. In large concentration for extended exposure, irre versible damage occurs to central nervous system. Allowable concentration in air is 6 rag/cu. meter. Handbook of Dangerous Materials. Carbon Monoxide is highly poisonous. Allowable con centration in air is 100 PPM. Explosive limits are 12.5 to 7li by volume In air. 6I4.OO PPM can cause headache and dizziness in 1 to 2 minutes and unconsciousness and danger of death in 10 to Ip minutes. Abstracted from Handbook of Dangerous Materials. AP-3 (methyl oyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl) toxicity is discus sed in an"April 23, 1956 communication to . Dr. Shapiro from Mr. Sylvan 'itherup of the Kettering Laboratory. The code name at the time was APR-128. K 0018286