pyrophoric substance

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July 13, 2026

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A pyrophoric substance is one that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air. This property is utilized in pyrophoric alloys, such as ferrocerium, which emit sparks when struck and are used in lighter flints.12

The term "pyrophorus" also refers to certain beetles that have luminous organs.1

The concept of pyrophoric materials is distinct from lamprophyre, which is a type of intrusive igneous rock characterized by its dark color and porphyritic texture, containing large crystals of iron-magnesium minerals.3

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organometallic compound
Reduction
…spontaneously flammable in air (pyrophoric). Accordingly, techniques have been developed to handle these and other pyrophoric compounds. Glass reaction vessels sealed from the atmosphere and purged with nitrogen gas are commonly used for handling air-sensitive organometallic compounds in the laboratory. Large quantities of pyrophoric compounds such as Al₂(C₂H₅)₆ are…
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…spontaneously flammable in air (pyrophoric). Accordingly, techniques have been developed to handle these and other pyrophoric compounds. Glass reaction vessels sealed from the atmosphere and purged with nitrogen gas are commonly used for handling air-sensitive organometallic compounds in the laboratory. Large quantities of pyrophoric compounds such as Al₂(C₂H₅)₆ are…
Read More