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PENTABORANE

4.2 - Spontaneously combustible 6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard
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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
  • 19624-22-7   (PENTABORANE)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Spontaneously Combustible
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Pentaboraneexternal_link
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
4 2
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 2 Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor like sour milk. Freezing point -52.9°F (-46.6°C). Boiling point 136.4°F (58°C). Decomposition temperature 302°F (150°C). Vapors toxic both under prolonged exposure to low concentrations and short exposure to high concentrations. Density 0.61 g / cm3. Under prolonged exposure to intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

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
  • Strong Reducing Agent
  • Pyrophoric
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. May ignite spontaneously in air [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Slowly decomposes in water.
Fire Hazard
Ignites spontaneously in air. Reacts violently with halogenated extinguishing agents. Boron hydrides present considerable fire and explosion hazard. They undergo explosive reaction with most oxidizing agents, including halogenated hydrocarbons. Fires tend to reignite. On decomposition, it emits toxic fumes and can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Avoid dimethyl sulfoxide, water, most oxidizing agents (including halogenated hydrocarbons). Avoid direct sunlight and sources of ignition, decomposes very slowly at 302. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
PENTABORANE is an extremely reactive reducing agent. Can ignite spontaneously in contact with air and many other materials. Reactions with oxygen are often violently explosive. Reacts with ammonia to form a diammoniate. Is stabilized by the formation of complexes with N, O, P, or S. Is stable in hydrocarbon solvents, but forms shock sensitive solutions in most carbonyl containing solvents.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

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 135 [Substances - Spontaneously 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: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1380 datasheet.

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
Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water from the side until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Evacuation: if fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame -- evacuate for a radius of 1,500 feet. If material is leaking (not on fire), downwind evacuation must be considered.

If material is on fire or involved in fire, do not extinguish unless flow can be stopped. Do not use water. Extinguish small fires with dry chemical or carbon dioxide. For large fires withdraw and let burn. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Pentaboraneexternal link:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Signs and Symptoms of Pentaborane Exposure: Inhalation of low concentrations of pentaborane causes behavioral changes, loss of recent memory, poor judgement, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and difficulty in focusing. Inhalation of higher concentrations may cause headache, dizziness, nervous excitation, muscular pain, loss of muscle coordination, cramps, muscle spasms, tremors, convulsions, coma, and death due to central nervous system poisoning. Pentaborane may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to pentaborane 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 pentaborane.
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 pentaborane.
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 and isolate 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 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.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of pentaborane is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age. Warning: Ingestion of pentaborane may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
4. The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

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.
Chemical Formula:
  • B5H9
Flash Point: 86°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 0.42 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 98 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: Spontaneously flammable if impure. Approx. 35°C when pure. (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -51.9°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 171 mmHg at 68°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 0.61 at 32°F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 140°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 63.17 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 9.90 eV (NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH: 1 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Pentaborane (19624-22-7)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 0.56 ppm 2 ppm
30 minutes NR 0.24 ppm 0.87 ppm
60 minutes NR 0.14 ppm 0.51 ppm
4 hours NR 0.048 ppm 0.17 ppm
8 hours NR 0.028 ppm 0.1 ppm
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data.
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Pentaborane (19624-22-7) 0.015 ppm 0.14 ppm 0.51 ppm LEL = 4200 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

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
Pentaborane 19624-22-7 500 pounds 500 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

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)
Pentaborane 19624-22-7 100 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • BORANE (B5H9)
  • BORON HYDRIDE (B5H9)
  • NONAHYDROPENTABORANE
  • PENTABORANE
  • PENTABORANE (B5H9)
  • PENTABORANE(9)
  • PENTABORON NONAHYDRIDE
  • (9)-PENTABORON NONAHYDRIDE

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