Triethylaluminium (
TEAL) is an
organoaluminium compound. Despite its name, the formula for this compound is Al
2(C
2H
5)
6, shortened to Al
2Et
6 (Et =
ethyl). This volatile, colorless liquid is highly
pyrophoric, igniting immediately upon exposure to air. It is normally stored in stainless steel containers either as a pure liquid or as a solution in
hydrocarbon solvents such as
hexane,
heptane, or
toluene. TEAL is mainly used as a co-catalyst in the industrial production of
polyethylene and for the production of medium chain
alcohols.