Chemical Properties
clear brownish liquid, fuming in moist air
General Description
A fuming liquid. Corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by inhalation. Used as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
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.
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].
Health Hazard
Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate is highly toxic by inhalation.
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, Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate emits toxic fumes of fluorides.
Potential Exposure
Used as a catalyst.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
Boron Trifluoride Etherates 465
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get
medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water
or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is
recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure,
as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for
pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may
consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
Diethyl: UN2604 Boron trifluoride diethyl
etherate, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8—Corrosive material,
3—Flammable liquid. Dimethyl: UN2965 Boron trifluoride
dimethyl etherate, Hazard class: 4.3; Labels: 4.3—
Dangerous when wet, 8—Corrosive material, 3—
Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
Reacts with air forming corrosive hydrogen
fluoride vapors. Incompatible with oxidizers (may
cause fire and explosion), water, steam or heat, forming
corrosive and flammable vapors. Peroxide containing etherate
reacts explosively with aluminum lithium hydride,
magnesium tetrahydroaluminate. Mixtures with phenol
react explosively with 1,3-butadiene. Presumed to form
explosive peroxides.
Description
Boron trifluoride etherates:(compounded with methyl ether) is moisture-sensitive, corrosive, flammable liquid. Molecular weight=113.9;Boiling point=126-127℃; Freezing/Melting point 5214℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 MRating System): (dimethyl etherate/UN 2965) Health 4,Flammability 4, Reactivity 1 .(compounded with ethyl ether) is a moisture-sensitive, corrosive, flammable liquid. Molecular weight=141.9;Boiling point=126℃; Freezing/Melting point=2 58℃;Flash point=64℃ (oc). Hazard Identification (based onNFPA-704 M Rating System) (methyl ether): Health 3,Flammability 3, Reactivity 1 . Decomposes in water.(methanol complex in excess methanol) HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 3, Flammability 4, Reactivity 1.
Uses
Reactant or reagent involved in:
- Deconvoluting the chemical reaction kinetics of platinum-silver ligand exchange
- Synthesis of neurogenic ganglioside LLG-3 from starfish via glycosylation reactions
- Synthesis of peloruside via lactonization and relay ring-closing metathesis cyclization
- FRET for monitoring Pd-catalyzed nucleophilic allylic substitution reactions
- Single molecuel imaging of fluorophore-tagged palldium(II) complexes
- β-elimination and rearrangement reactions for synthesis of exocyclic vinyl ethers
Flammability and Explosibility
Contactwithwaterliberateshighlyflammablegases
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Storein a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinetaway from ignition sources and corrosive and reactivematerials. Before entering confined space where thesechemicals may be present, check to make sure that anexplosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of this chemical shouldbe grounded and bonded. Where possible, automaticallypump liquid from drums or other storage containers toprocess containers. Drums must be equipped with selfclosing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especiallywhen opening and closing containers of this chemical.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or storedin a manner that could create a potential fire or explosionhazard.
