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Chemical Datasheet
FLUOROBORIC ACID |
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Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
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none
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NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
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NFPA 704
General Description
A colorless odorless poisonous liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. It is used in electroplating, metal cleaning and making diazo salts.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water with release of heat.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, 147
(lithium ion batteries) or 138
(sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2020)
Reactivity Profile
FLUOROBORIC ACID is a strong acid. Reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, and inorganic hydroxides). These reactions can generate dangerously large amounts of heat in small spaces. Dissolution in water or the dilution of a concentrated aqueous solution may generate significant heat. Reacts with active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas. Can initiate the polymerization of certain alkenes. Reacts with cyanide compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Generates flammable and/or toxic gases in contact with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and carbonates. May catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. Attempted drying of the acid with acetic anhydride caused an explosion at 0°C [J. Organomet. Chem., 1975, 94, 319].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Acids, Strong Non-oxidizing
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical |
CAS Number |
State |
QS |
QC |
SL |
C3 |
TF |
TP |
RC |
TK |
RF |
Fluoroboric acid (48-50%) |
16872-11-0 |
Liquid |
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>480 |
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>480 |
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Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be
used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or
explosive environments. Only...
(DuPont, 2023)
First Aid
Excerpt from 154
[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; wash face and mouth before giving artificial respiration. Use a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim calm and warm. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. (ERG, 2020)
Physical Properties
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: data unavailable
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
Fluoboric acid; (Tetrafluoroboric acid) (16872-11-0)
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8.7 mg/m3 |
97 mg/m3 |
580 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
Regulatory Information
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
No regulatory information available.
Alternate Chemical Names
- BOROFLUORIC ACID
- FLUOBORIC ACID
- FLUOBORIC ACID (HBF4)
- FLUOROBORIC ACID
- HYDROGEN TETRAFLUOROBORATE
- HYDROGEN TETRAFLUOROBORATE(1-)
- TETRAFLUOROBORIC ACID