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DIBORANE

2.3 - Poisonous gas 2.1 - Flammable gas
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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
  • 19287-45-7   (DIBORANE)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Poison Gas
  • Flammable Gas
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Diboraneexternal_link
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
4 3
W
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 3 Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
White Special W Reacts violently or explosively with water.
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Diborane is a colorless gas with an offensive odor. It is toxic by inhalation. Diborane is decomposed by water giving off hydrogen, another flammable gas and boric acid a non-regulated material. Its vapors are heavier than air. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation. It is used in electronics.

Rate of onset: Immediate

Persistence: Minutes to hours

Odor threshold: 2.5 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: Intermediate chemical manufacturing; very flammable.

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
  • Water-Reactive
  • Pyrophoric
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Ignites spontaneously in moist air (forms hydrogen and boric acid), [Haz. Chem. Data (1966)]. Oxygen and diborane form spontaneously explosive mixtures, [J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 76, 1997(1954)].
Fire Hazard
It will ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. Also, it reacts violently with vaporizing liquid-type extinguishing agents. It hydrolyzes in water to hydrogen and boric acid. Incompatible with air, halogenated compounds, aluminum, lithium, active metals, oxidized surfaces, chlorine, fuming nitric acid, nitrogen trifluoride, oxygen, and phosphorus trifluoride. Avoid moist air, electrical sparks, open flames or any other heat source. Hazardous polymerization may occur. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Boranes are highly toxic by inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion. They may produce acute or chronic poisoning. Diborane is an irritant to the lungs and kidneys. The primary effect of diborane poisoning is lung congestion caused by local tissue irritation produced by the exothermic reaction of hydrolysis. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
It is a colorless, air and moisture-sensitive gas, highly toxic. It ignites in air. It is very explosive when exposed to heat or flame, on contact with moisture it produces hydrogen gas. Explosive reaction with benzene vapor, chlorine, nitric acid and tetravinyllead [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 77]. Explosive reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide [Shriver, 1969, p. 209], violent reaction with halocarbon liquids used as fire extinguishants (e.g., carbon tetrachloride). Reaction with Al or Li produces complex hydrides that may ignite spontaneously in air [Haz. Chem. Data, 1975, p. 114].
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 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable]:

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 1911 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Firefighting
Firefighting should be done from an explosion-resistant location. Use water from unmanned monitors or hose holders to keep fire-exposed containers cool. If it is necessary to stop flow of gas, use water spray to protect personnel effecting shut-off. Personnel should be evacuated immediately. Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing should be worn. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

Inert gas substances such as liquid nitrogen are recommended as fire extinguishing agents. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. 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. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diboraneexternal link:

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, 2024)
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
Diborane (10%) 19287-45-7 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...

...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, 2024)

First Aid
Warning: Effects may be delayed up to 24 hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Diborane Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to diborane may include tightness in the chest, dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, and wheezing. Nausea and pulmonary edema may also occur. Other possible effects of acute exposure include dizziness, headache, weakness, lack of coordination, muscle spasms, tremor, and seizures. Exposure to diborane may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to diborane 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 diborane.
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. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to diborane.
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 at least twice with large amounts of cool water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure: No information is available. (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:
  • B2H6
Flash Point: -130°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 0.8 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 88 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: 100 to 126°F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point: -265°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 224 mmHg at -169.6°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 1 (EPA, 1998)
Specific Gravity: 0.447 at -169.6°F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: -135°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 27.69 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: Decomposes (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 11.38 eV (NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH: 15 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Diborane (19287-45-7)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 2 ppm 7.3 ppm
30 minutes NR 2 ppm 7.3 ppm
60 minutes NR 1 ppm 3.7 ppm
4 hours NR 0.25 ppm 0.92 ppm
8 hours NR 0.13 ppm 0.46 ppm
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Diborane (19287-45-7) NA 1 ppm 3 ppm
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Diborane (19287-45-7) 0.3 ppm 1 ppm 3.7 ppm LEL = 8000 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
Diborane 19287-45-7 100 pounds 100 pounds 2500 pounds
Diborane(6) 19287-45-7 100 pounds 100 pounds 2500 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

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
Diborane 19287-45-7 1.00 % 2500 pounds toxic 2.67 % 15 pounds WME

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Diborane 19287-45-7 100 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • BORANE (B2H6)
  • BOROETHANE
  • BORON HYDRIDE
  • BORON HYDRIDE (B2H6)
  • DIBORANE
  • DIBORANE (B2H6)
  • DIBORANE(6)
  • DIBORON HEXAHYDRIDE
  • HYDROGEN BORIDE (H6B2)

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