diethyl zinc
An organometallic compound (Zn(C 2 H
5 ) 2 ), that is readily
volatile (B.P. 123° C. at one atmosphere).
It has been proposed as a vapor-phase deacidifying
agent, and gives promise of being effective; it
leaves an alkaline reserve of zinc oxide in the
paper, which not only protects against acid but is
an effective fungicide as well. Treatment must be
carried out in the absence of air or moisture, as
diethyl zinc ignites on contact with air and
explodes on contact with moisture. This requires
that the books be absolutely dry before treatment;
therefore they must be treated with the gas in a
vacuum chamber and the excess diethyl zinc must be
removed or neutralized before the chamber is
opened. Treatment with diethyl zinc leaves the
paper with a pH of approximately 7.5 and does not
appear to have any adverse effect on leather or
other book materials.
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