Chemical Datasheet
BORON TRIFLUORIDE |
|
Chemical Identifiers
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| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
none | |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
Boron trifluoride
|
|||
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health
|
4 | Can be lethal. | |||||||||
Flammability
|
0 | Will not burn under typical fire conditions. | ||||||||||
Instability
|
1 | Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Boron trifluoride is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is toxic by inhalation. It is soluble in water and slowly hydrolyzed by cold water to give off hydrofluoric acid, a corrosive material. Its vapors are heavier than air. Prolonged exposure of the containers to fire or heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing.
Hazards
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Hazard fields
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air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
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reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
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Reactivity Alerts
- Known Catalytic Activity
- Water-Reactive
- Air-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Fumes in air. Soluble in water and slowly hydrolyzed by cold water to give hydrofluoric acid. Reacts more rapidly with hot water.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition or upon contact with water or steam, it will produce toxic and corrosive fumes of fluorine containing compounds. Decomposes upon heating or on contact with moist air, forming toxic and corrosive fumes of boric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Reacts with alkalis and fumes in moist air, producing particulates which reduce visibility. Reacts with alkali metals, alkaline earth metals (except magnesium), alkyl nitrates, and calcium oxide. It hydrolyzes in moist air to form boric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and fluoboric acid. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Highly toxic; may cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. Substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
BORON TRIFLUORIDE is a colorless, strongly irritating, toxic gas. Upon contact with water, steam or when heated to decomposition, it will produce toxic fluoride fumes. Incompatible with alkyl nitrates, calcium oxide. Reaction with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals (except magnesium) will cause incandescence [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 65].
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...
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Sand
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
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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
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Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1008 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1008 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Evacuate area endangered by gas. Do not get water inside container. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water from the side until well after fire is out. Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:
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. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. 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. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2020)
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. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. 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. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Boron 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, 2023)
: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, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boron trifluoride | 7637-07-2 | 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...
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...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, 2023)
First Aid
Warning: Boron trifluoride is extremely corrosive. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Boron Trifluoride Exposure: Acute inhalation exposure of boron trifluoride may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, and respiratory tract irritation. Bleeding of the nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, bronchitis, pneumonia, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and pulmonary edema may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with boron trifluoride, irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), severe burns, and pain.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to boron trifluoride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to boron trifluoride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. Humidified oxygen is preferred.
2. IMMEDIATELY give the victims milk or water to dilute the hydrofluoric acid: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Milk or water should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Milk of Magnesia should be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use
2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) for children up to 1 year old, 5 mL (1 tsp) for children 1 to 12 years old, and 10 mL (2 tsp) for adults. Do not exceed 15 mL (3 tsp or 1 tbsp).
5. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
6. Activated charcoal is of no value.
7. Repeat the administration of water or milk to conscious and alert victims. Use quantities listed above (see No. 2).
8. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Boron Trifluoride Exposure: Acute inhalation exposure of boron trifluoride may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, and respiratory tract irritation. Bleeding of the nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, bronchitis, pneumonia, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and pulmonary edema may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with boron trifluoride, irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), severe burns, and pain.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to boron trifluoride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to boron trifluoride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. Humidified oxygen is preferred.
2. IMMEDIATELY give the victims milk or water to dilute the hydrofluoric acid: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Milk or water should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Milk of Magnesia should be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use
2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) for children up to 1 year old, 5 mL (1 tsp) for children 1 to 12 years old, and 10 mL (2 tsp) for adults. Do not exceed 15 mL (3 tsp or 1 tbsp).
5. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
6. Activated charcoal is of no value.
7. Repeat the administration of water or milk to conscious and alert victims. Use quantities listed above (see No. 2).
8. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
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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):
Not Flammable.
(EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
Not Flammable.
(EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
-196.1°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
760 mmHg
at -149.26°F
Liquid
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
2.4
(EPA, 1998)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
1.6
(EPA, 1998)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
-148°F
at 760 mmHg
(NIOSH, 2023)
Molecular Weight:
67.82
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility:
106 %
(in cold H2O)
(NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential:
15.50 eV
(NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH:
25 ppm
(NIOSH, 2023)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 2.5 mg/m3 | 37 mg/m3 | 110 mg/m3 |
| 30 minutes | 2.5 mg/m3 | 37 mg/m3 | 110 mg/m3 |
| 60 minutes | 2.5 mg/m3 | 29 mg/m3 | 88 mg/m3 |
| 4 hours | 2.5 mg/m3 | 18 mg/m3 | 55 mg/m3 |
| 8 hours | 2.5 mg/m3 | 9.3 mg/m3 | 28 mg/m3 |
(NAC/NRC, 2023)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
| Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boron Trifluoride (7637-07-2) | 2 mg/m3  |
30 mg/m3 | 100 mg/m3 |
indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boron trifluoride (7637-07-2) | 2.5 mg/m3 | 29 mg/m3 | 88 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
Regulatory Information
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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
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borane, trifluoro- | 7637-07-2 | 500 pounds | 500 pounds | X | 5000 pounds | ||
| Boron trifluoride | 7637-07-2 | 500 pounds | 500 pounds | 313 | 5000 pounds |
- "X" indicates that this is a second name for an EPCRA section 313 chemical already included on this consolidated list. May also indicate that the same chemical with the same CAS number appears on another list with a different chemical name.
(EPA List of Lists, 2022)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| Boron trifluoride; [Borane, trifluoro] | 7637-07-2 | 1.00 % | 5000 pounds | toxic | 26.87 % | 45 pounds | WME | |||
- WME = weapons of mass effect.
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Boron Trifluoride | 7637-07-2 | 250 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
Alternate Chemical Names
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- ANCA 1040
- BORANE, TRIFLUORO-
- BORON FLUORIDE
- BORON FLUORIDE (BF3)
- BORON FLUORIDE(BF3)
- BORON TRIFLUORIDE
- BORON TRIFLUORIDE, COMPRESSED
- TRIFLUOROBORANE
- TRIFLUOROBORON
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 3.0.0.