Chemical Datasheet
NITROGEN TRIFLUORIDE |
Chemical Identifiers
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
none | |
NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
Nitrogen trifluoride |
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless gas with a moldy odor. Very toxic by inhalation. Slightly soluble in water. Corrosive to tissue. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Used to make other chemicals and as a component of rocket fuels.
Hazards
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Explosive
- Strong Oxidizing Agent
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:
Substance does not burn but will support combustion. Some may react explosively with fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2024)
Substance does not burn but will support combustion. Some may react explosively with fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2024)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:
Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Contact with gas, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2024)
Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Contact with gas, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2024)
Reactivity Profile
NITROGEN TRIFLUORIDE is a very powerful oxidizing agent. Presents dangerous fire hazard in the presence of reducing agents. Etches glass in the presence of moisture. Emits toxic and corrosive fumes of fluoride when heated to decomposition [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 937]. Can react violently with hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, diborane, hydrogen sulfide, methane, tetrafluorohydrazine, charcoal. Explosive reaction with chlorine dioxide. A severe explosion may occur when exposed to reducing agents under pressure [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1427].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:
Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrogen trifluoride:
Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.
Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection.
Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).
Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.
Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.
Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection.
Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).
Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.
Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
QC = Tychem 2000 |
SL = Tychem 4000 |
C3 = Tychem 5000 |
TF = Tychem 6000 |
TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
TK = Tychem 10000 |
RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party
laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per
ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the
permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All
chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless
otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of
greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun
and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity
per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical
warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which
permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either
1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to
be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional
knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects
laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under
controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons
having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use
conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's
responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper
personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this
information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable
for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter
breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If
fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail,
or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should
discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical.
Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no
warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and
assume no liability in connection with any use of this information.
This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a
recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical
information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | RC | TK | RF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nitrogen trifluoride | 7783-54-2 | Vapor | >480 | >480 | >480 |
> indicates greater than.
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...
...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T
(with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help
reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem®
ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with
aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive
environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside
protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These
attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be
worn as the outer foot covering.
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrogen trifluoride:
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)
Physical Properties
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
-340°F
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Pressure:
greater than 1 atm
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
2.46
(NIOSH, 2024)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point:
-200°F
at 760 mmHg
(NIOSH, 2024)
Molecular Weight:
71
(NIOSH, 2024)
Water Solubility:
Slight
(NIOSH, 2024)
Ionization Energy/Potential:
12.97 eV
(NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH:
1000 ppm
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
---|---|---|---|
10 minutes | 1200 ppm | 3100 ppm | 5000 ppm |
30 minutes | 400 ppm | 1100 ppm | 1700 ppm |
60 minutes | 200 ppm | 530 ppm | 860 ppm |
4 hours | 50 ppm | 140 ppm | 220 ppm |
8 hours | 25 ppm | 68 ppm | 110 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 |
---|---|---|---|
Nitrogen Trifluoride (7783-54-2) | 200 ppm | 400 ppm | 800 ppm |
(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
---|---|---|---|
Nitrogen trifluoride (7783-54-2) | 200 ppm | 530 ppm | 860 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
Chemical Name | CAS Number | Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
---|---|---|
Nitrogen Trifluoride | 7783-54-2 | 5000 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
Alternate Chemical Names
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- NITROGEN FLUORIDE
- NITROGEN TRIFLUORIDE
- NITROGEN TRIFLUORIDE, COMPRESSED
- PERFLUOROAMMONIA
- TRIFLUORAMINE
- TRIFLUORAMMONIA
- TRIFLUOROAMINE
- TRIFLUOROAMMONIA