SODIUM HYDROXIDE-SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE SOLUTION

Odorless colorless liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

• Strong Reducing Agent

When sodium borohydride is in a strongly basic solution (at or above pH 10), it is stabilized against reaction with water, although addition of water may still be exothermic due to heat of solvation. At lower pH levels, sodium borohydride reacts exothermically with water to generate flammable hydrogen gas. The heat may ignite the hydrogen, the solvent, and surrounding combustible materials [Haz. Chem. Data 1966].

Behavior in Fire: May decompose and produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. (USCG, 1999)

Liquid is extremely corrosive to the eyes, nose, throat, upper respiratory tract, and skin. If ingested can form large volume of gas and lead to a gas embolism. (USCG, 1999)

SODIUM HYDROXIDE-SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE SOLUTION is a powerful reducing agent. A chemical base. Absorbs moisture readily forming caustic solution. which attacks aluminum and zinc. A violent polymerization of acetaldehyde results from the reactions of acetaldehyde with alkaline materials such as sodium hydroxide. Calcium oxide or sodium hydroxide react with phosphorus pentaoxide extremely violently when initiated by local heating [Mellor 8 Supp.3:406 (1971]. Using potassium hydroxide to dry impure tetrahydrofuran, which contains peroxides, may be hazardous. Explosions have occurred in the past. Sodium hydroxide behaves in a similar way as potassium hydroxide [NSC Newsletter, Chem. Soc. 1967]. Ignition occurs if a mixture of the hydride and sulfuric acid is not cooled. Contact of glycerol and sodium borohydride leads to ignition, other glycols and methanol are exothermic but do not ignite.

• Bases, Strong
• Metal Hydrides, Metal Alkyls, Metal Aryls, and Silanes
• Water and Aqueous Solutions

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents

Excerpt from 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

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)

Excerpt from 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Some foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

SMALL FIRE: CO2 (except for Cyanides), dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. 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)

Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water, rinse with dilute acetic acid or vinegar. (USCG, 1999)

Goggles, rubber gloves, and protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Caustic soda (50% at 50°C)	1310-73-2	Liquid					>480
Caustic soda (50%)	1310-73-2	Liquid	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480
Sodium hydroxide (50% at 50°C)	1310-73-2	Liquid					>480
Sodium hydroxide (50%)	1310-73-2	Liquid	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480

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)

INGESTION: Do NOT induce vomiting; give dilute vinegar, lemon juice, milk, or olive oil; call a doctor.

SKIN AND EYES: Flood with large amount of water. (USCG, 1999)

• SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
• SODIUM HYDROXIDE-SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE SOLUTION