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BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHERATE

4.3 - Dangerous when wet 8 - Corrosive 3 - Flammable liquid
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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
  • 353-42-4   (BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHERATE)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Dangerous When Wet
  • Corrosive
  • Flammable Liquid
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A fuming liquid. Corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by inhalation. Used as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

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
  • Highly Flammable
  • Known Catalytic Activity
  • Water-Reactive
  • Air-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. In moist air forms dense white pungent fumes, corrosive to skin, avoid inhalation [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Upon exposure to water may emit flammable and corrosive vapors, including hydrofluoric acid fumes.
Fire Hazard
Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Flammable/combustible material which may be ignited by heat spark or flame. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewer. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of fluorides. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
This material is highly toxic by inhalation. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHERATE is a flammable, corrosive, and toxic liquid, moisture-sensitive. Emits toxic fluoride fumes when heated to decomposition [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 189].
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

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 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

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 2965 datasheet.

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
Wear self-contained, positive- pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Move containers from fire area if possible. Do not get water inside containers. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flame until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

This material may react violently with water. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

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. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion foam to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
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.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate 353-42-4 Liquid >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, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: This material is highly toxic by inhalation.

Signs and Symptoms of Boron Trifluoride Compound With Methyl Ether Exposure: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether may result in strong irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Direct contact may cause dermal or corneal burns. Boron trifluoride itself can cause severe respiratory irritation with chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Irritation or burns of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract may occur following ingestion. Neurologic effects may include CNS depression and coma.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether 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 trifluoride compound with methyl ether.
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 100% humidified supplemental oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for 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 compound with methyl ether.
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 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, flush with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical therapy.
7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
8. 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 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Immediately dilute with water or milk: 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). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. 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:
  • C2H6O.BF3
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: 258.8°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 113.89 (EPA, 1998)
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
Boron trifluoride-dimethyl ether (353-42-4) 2.5 mg/m3 29 mg/m3 88 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

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
Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) 353-42-4 1000 pounds 1000 pounds 15000 pounds
Boron, trifluoro[oxybis[methane]]-, (T-4)- 353-42-4 1000 pounds 1000 pounds 15000 pounds

(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 compound with methyl ether (1:1); [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis (methane)]-,T-4-] 353-42-4 1.00 % 15000 pounds toxic

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • BORANE, TRIFLUORO-, COMPOUND WITH OXYBIS[METHANE] (1:1)
  • BORON FLUORIDE (BF3), COMPOUND WITH METHYL ETHER (1:1)
  • BORON FLUORIDE COMPLEX WITH DIMETHYL ETHER
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE COMPOUND WITH METHYL ETHER
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE COMPOUND WITH METHYL ETHER (1:1)
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE COMPOUND WITH METHYL ETHER(1:1)
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHER ADDITION COMPOUND
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHER COMPLEX
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIMETHYL ETHERATE
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE-DIMETHYL ETHER
  • BORON TRIFLUORIDE-DIMETHYL ETHER COMPLEX
  • BORON, TRIFLUORO(OXYBIS(METHANE))-,(T-4)-
  • BORON, TRIFLUORO[OXYBIS[METHANE]]-, (T-4)-
  • (DIMETHYL ETHER)TRIFLUOROBORON
  • METHANE, OXYBIS-, BORON COMPLEX
  • METHANE, OXYBIS-, COMPOUND WITH TRIFLUOROBORANE (1:1)
  • METHYL ETHER, COMPOUND WITH BF3 (1:1)
  • METHYL ETHER, COMPOUND WITH BORON FLUORIDE (BF3) (1:1)
  • METHYL ETHER, COMPOUND WITH BORON FLUORIDE(1:1)

Version 3.0.0