MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
BOC Gases, BOC Gases
Division of Division of
The BOC Group, Inc. BOC Canada Limited
575 Mountain Avenue 5975 Falbourne Street, Unit 2
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3W6
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (908) 464-8100 TELEPHONE NUMBER: (905) 501-1700
24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (905) 501-0802
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NO: 20101
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
CHEMICAL NAME: Diborane in Argon, Helium or Nitrogen
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Boroethane in Argon, Helium or Nitrogen;
Boron Hydride in Argon, Helium or Nitrogen
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.3 (2.1)
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, D1A, D2B, B6
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/7/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Diborane 0.0005 to 40.0 0.1 ppm TWA 0.11 ppm TWA 40 ppm/4H
FORMULA: B2H6 (rat)
CAS: 19287-45-7
RTECS #: HQ9275000
Nitrogen 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: QW9700000
Helium 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: He
CAS: 7440-59-7
RTECS #: MH6520000
Argon 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: Ar
CAS: 7440-37-1
RTECS #: CF2300000
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Irritant to the respiratory system resulting in pulmonary edema. Symptoms may include headache,
fatigue, drowsiness, shortness of breath and coughing, eventually leading to convulsions and death.
Prolonged exposure to very low concentrations may result in dizziness, vertigo, chills, fatigue or
muscular weakness. Spontaneously combustible in moist air.
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No No
Synergistic Effects
None Reported
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Contact may cause irritation or burns.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Contact may cause thermal burns and irritation.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Since product is a gas at room temperature, ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Irritant to the respiratory system. Inhalation exposure may result in pulmonary edema, pneumonotis, and injuries
to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Symptoms of exposure may include headache, fatigue,
drowsiness, shortness of breath, coughing and eventual convulsions and death.
Prolonged exposure to very low concentrations may result in dizziness, vertigo, chills, fatigue or muscular
weakness.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 4 (as diborane) Health: 4 (as diborane) 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 4 Flammability: 4 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 3 Reactivity: 3 2 = Moderate Hazard
WATER REACTIVE
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
In case of eye contact, immediately flush with low pressure, cool water for at least 15 minutes, opening eyelids
to ensure flushing. Get immediate medical attention.
SKIN:
Treat thermal burns. Flush affected areas immediately large quantities of water. Then wash thoroughly with
soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation develops.
INGESTION:
Consult poison control center.
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVER EXPOSURE. RESCUE
PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS. Quick
removal from the contaminated area is most important. Conscious persons should be assisted to an
uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area,
and given artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen if they are not breathing. Further treatment should be
symptomatic and supportive.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Spontaneously combustible at room temperature in moist air
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
Temperature: 100oF (36oC)
Not Available Not Applicable
LEL(%): 0.9 UEL(%): 98
Hazardous combustion products: Borane compounds
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: Not Available
Sensitivity to static discharge: Not Available
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Ignites spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. The heat of combustion from a diborane fire is greater
than that from a similar hydrocarbon, such as ethane.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Only acceptable extinguishing media are protein based foams with a nitrogen carrier.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Reacts with most extinguishing media such as water, carbon dioxide, chemical powders and halogenated
compounds. Attempt to stop the flow of gas and allow fire to burn itself out. Fire fighters should use self-
contained breathing apparatus. Wear full turnout gear. Use water spray to cool fire fighters.
Be cautious of a Boiling Liquid Evaporating Vapor Explosion, BLEVE, if flame is impinging on surrounding
containers. Direct 500 GPM water stream onto containers above liquid level with remote monitors. Limit the
number of personnel in proximity to the fire. Evacuate surrounding areas to at least 3000 feet in all directions.
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
6. Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user鈥檚 equipment,
be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.
7. Handling and Storage
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the system. All electrical equipment should be
non-sparking or explosion proof.
Diborane is noncorrosive and may be used with all materials of construction except aluminum. It is also
compatible with ordinary glass, Pyrex庐 and quartz. Kel-F庐 and Teflon庐 are also the preferred gasketing
material.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Stationary customer site vessels should be operated in accordance with the
manufacturer鈥檚 and BOC instructions. Do not attempt to repair, adjust or in any other way modify the operation
of these vessels. If there is a malfunction or other type of operations problem with the vessel, contact the closest
BOC location immediately for assistance.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heavily trafficked
areas and emergency exits. DO NOT allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 125oF (52oC).
Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Full and empty
cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full cylinders from being
stored for excessive periods of time.
Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve outlet piping to use point.
Close valve after each use and when the container is empty. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders on their sides.
Use a suitable hand truck for container movement. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting container
to piping or systems. Do not use gas directly from container. Do not heat container by any means to increase
the discharge rate of product from the container.
For additional information, consult the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet P-1.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Diborane 0.0005 to 40.0 0.1 ppm TWA 0.11 ppm TWA 40 ppm/4H
FORMULA: B2H6 (rat)
CAS: 19287-45-7
RTECS #: HQ9275000
Nitrogen 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: QW9700000
Helium 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: He
CAS: 7440-59-7
RTECS #: MH6520000
Argon 60 to 99.9995 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
FORMULA: Ar
CAS: 7440-37-1
RTECS #: CF2300000
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce concentrations to within current exposure limits. A laboratory type hood
is suitable for handling small or limited quantities.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Gas-tight goggles or full-face piece respirator.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves made of any suitable material.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
An airline respirator with full face piece equipped with an escape bottle or a self-contained breathing apparatus
should be available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain", face shield.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Not Available
Vapor density at STP(Air = 1) : 0.95
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -134.5 F
o
C
: -92.5
o
Freezing point : -264.7 F
o
: -164.9 C
pH : Not Available
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Hydrolyzes
Odor threshold : Not Available
Odor and appearance : A colorless gas with a sickly-sweet odor.
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Unstable at elevated temperatures. Diborane mixture storage time should be minimized.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Reacts violently with moist air, oxidizing agents, ammonia, alcohols, fresh metallic aluminum, lithium,
halogens, halogenated compounds and metal oxides.
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Hydrogen, higher boranes at room temperature. Decomposition rate increases with temperature to form non-
volatile boranes (eg.,pentaborane). Diborane disassociates to boron and hydrogen above 570oF (300oC).
CONDITIONS TO AVOID (POLYMERIZATION):
Higher borane decomposition products (typically tetra-borane) may be more shock sensitive than diborane.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
LC50 Human, Inhalation 159 molar PPM for 15 minutes*.
Also lethal dose, Human, Inhalation 30 to 90 mg/m3 for 4 hours*.
* Note these values were not listed in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) or Sax,
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 7th ed.
Its toxicity seems to be similar to that for phosgene, chlorine, fluorine, and arsine. Damage to the lungs resulting
in pulmonary edema will most probably occur as well as kidney and liver damage. The signs of the intoxication
may be delayed for up to 24 hours or occur immediately after the exposure.
12. Ecological Information
This product does NOT contain any ingredients which are regulated on the U.S. EPA List of Toxic Chemicals
(40 CFR 372), and is therefore not subject to release reporting under Section 313 of EPCRA/SARA Title III.
13. Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP
IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Compressed gases, toxic, flammable, n.o.s. Compressed gases, toxic, flammable, n.o.s.
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
(Diborane, Argon, Helium, Nitrogen) (Diborane, and Nitrogen)
2.3 2.3 (2.1)
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1953 UN 1953
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
POISON GAS, FLAMMABLE GAS POISON GAS, FLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
Additional Marking Requirement (For Diborane > 1.6%): 鈥淚nhalation Hazard鈥?
Additional Shipping Paper Description Requirement: 鈥淧oison-Inhalation Hazard, Zone A, B, C or D鈥?
depending on the Diborane concentration as follows:
Zone A (Diborane > 40%),
Zone B (40% > Diborane > 8%),
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: DIBORANE IN ARGON, HELIUM OR NITROGEN
Zone C (8% > Diborane > 2.67%),
Zone D (2.6% > Diborane > 1.6%)鈥?
Note: For Diborane < 1.6%, ship as Diborane Mixtures, 2.1, NA 1911, FLAMMABLE GAS.
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Diborane is listed under Section 302 of SARA as an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) with a Threshold
Planning Quantity (TPQ) of 100 pounds. Releases of more than 1 pound of diborane is subject to state and local
reporting under section 304 of SARA Title III (EPCRA).
Diborane is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with a
Threshold Quantity (TQ) of 2,500 pounds.,
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Chronic Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
Reactivity Hazard
16. Other Information
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of
a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a
violation of transportation regulations.
DISCLAIMER OF EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no
responsibility regarding the suitability of this information for the user's intended purposes or for the
consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for
their particular purpose(s).
MSDS: G-26
Revised: 2/1/96 Page 7 of 7
|