International Chemical Safety Cards

PENTABORANE ICSC: 0819
PENTABORANE
Pentaboron nonahydride
B5H9
Molecular mass: 63.2
CAS # 19624-22-7
RTECS # RY8925000
ICSC # 0819
UN # 1380
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with halogens, halogenated compounds and oxidizers.
Carbon dioxide, special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Above 30░C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 30░C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water but NO direct contact with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

  • INHALATION
    		• Blurred vision. Tremors. Convulsions. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN

    		• Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES

    		• Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Nausea. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs, halogens. Cool. Dry. Keep in the dark. Under nitrogen atmosphere.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    UN Hazard Class: 4.2
    UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: I
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0819 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    PENTABORANE ICSC: 0819

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The vapour is heavier than air.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes slowly on heating to 150░C to form boron and the flammable gas hydrogen - see ICSC # 0001, and on burning producing toxic fumes (boron oxides). Reacts with oxidants and halogens causing fire and explosion hazard. Impure material ignites spontaneously in air. Shock-sensitive solutions are formed with solvents such as ketones, ethers, esters.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 0.005 ppm; 0.013 mg/m3 (as TWA); 0.015 ppm; 0.039 mg/m3 (as STEL) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    PDK not established.


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20░C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance severely irritates the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in visual disturbances, memory loss, poor judgment, and muscle incoordination.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 60░C
    Melting point: -47░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 0.6
    Solubility in water: reacts
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20░C: 22.8
    		 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2
    Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20░C (air = 1): 1.27
    Flash point: 30░C (c.c.)░C
    Auto-ignition temperature: approx. 35░C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 0.42-98
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    NOTES
    Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as halons. The symptoms of some effects do not become manifest until up to 24 hours later. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT take working clothes home.
    NFPA Code: H 3; F 3; R 2;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0819 PENTABORANE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.