17702-41-9

white powder

In rocket propellants, and as a catalyst in olefin polymerization Boron source for ion-implantation processes.

In rocket propellants; as catalyst in olefin polymerization.

White crystals or colorless crystalline needles with an intense, bitter, chocolate-like odor. Used in rocket propellants, as a catalyst in olefin polymerization, as a rubber vulcanizer, to coat metals with corrosion resistant boron, in manufacture of plastics, as an oxygen scavenger; in mothproofing, in dye-stripping, as a reducing and fluxing agent, as a stabilizer and rayon delustrant.

Highly flammable. DECABORANE may spontaneously ignite upon exposure to air. Slightly soluble in cold water [Merck].

DECABORANE forms impact-sensitive mixtures with halocarbons (carbon tetrachloride) or with ethers (dioxane). DECABORANE ignites in oxygen at 100° C. When heated to decomposition DECABORANE emits toxic fumes of boron oxides [Hawthorne, M. F., Inorg. Synth., 1967, 10, p. 93]. DECABORANE may form an explosive mixture with dimethyl sulfoxide [Shriver, 1969, p. 209]. DECABORANE reacts with amides, acetone, butyraldehyde, and acetonitrile at room temperature [Merck].

May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. Produces marked irritation of skin and mucous membranes. May cause liver injury.

DECABORANE mixed with carbon tetrachloride is dangerously shock sensitive. DECABORANE reacts slowly with air but when mixed with air or oxygen, DECABORANE becomes highly flammable and may explode. DECABORANE undergoes an explosive reaction with most oxidizing agents including halogenated hydrocarbons. DECABORANE may give off toxic fumes of unburned material. When heated to decomposition, DECABORANE emits toxic fumes of boron oxides. Incompatible with ethers; halocarbons; oxygen at 212F; dimethyl sulfoxide, most oxidizing agents, including halogenated hydrocarbons. DECABORANE is corrosive to natural rubber, some synthetic rubbers, some greases, and some lubricants. Normally stable, but becomes unstable at elevated temperature and pressure. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.

Decaborane is used as a catalyst in olefin polymerization; in rocket propellants; in gasoline additives and as a vulcanizing agent for rubber.

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. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ- ing 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 medi- cal attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

UN1868 Decaborane, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable solid, 6.1-Poisonous materials

May ignite spontaneously on exposure to air. Decomposes slowly in hot water. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanga- nates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); con- tact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, and oxygenated solvents; dimethyl sulfoxide (reaction may be violent), oxygen @ .100 C). Carbon tetrachloride, ethers, halocarbons, halogenated com- pounds form shock-sensitive mixtures. Attacks some plas- tics, rubber, and coatings.

Decaborane is a colorless solid with a bitterodor. The odor threshold is 0.06 ppm. Molecularweight = 122.24; Specific gravity (H2O:1) = 0.94; Boilingpoint = 212.7℃; Freezing/Melting point = 99.4℃; Flashpoint = 80℃ (cc); Vapor pressure = 0.2 mmHg at 25℃;Autoignition temperature = 149℃. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 2, Reactivity 1. Very slightly soluble in coldwater; slowly hydrolyzes. Reacts with hot water.

Incineration with aqueous scrubbing of exhaust gases to remove B2O3 particulates.

(1) Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Storein a flammable materials storage area. (2) Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with decaborane you should betrained on its proper handling and storage. Decaboranemust be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers, such as permanganates, nitrates, peroxides, chlorates, and perchlorates,or halogenated compounds, since violent reactions occur.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilatedarea away from heat and water. Heat can cause an explosion. Contact with water can slowly produce flammablehydrogen gas. Detached storage is preferable. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere decaborane is handled, used, or stored.

Purify decaborane by vacuum sublimation at 80o/0.1mm, followed by crystallisation from methylcyclohexane, CH2Cl2, or dry olefin-free-n-pentane, the solvent being subsequently removed by storing the crystals in a vacuum desiccator containing CaCl2. It is soluble in H2O but is slowly decomposed to give H2. It is soluble in alkali, and on acidification it liberates H2. TOXIC. [Greenwood in Comprehensive Chemistry (Ed Bailar et al.) Pergamon Press Vol 1 pp 818-837 1973.]