Chemical Properties
Colorless gas, decomposes at 350C, insoluble in water, soluble in liquid ammonia, slightly soluble in hot hydrochloric acid.
Chemical Properties
Germane is a colorless, flammable gas.
Pungent odor.
General Description
GERMANE is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.The gas is heavier than air and a flame can flash back to the source of leak very easily. GERMANE is toxic by inhalation. Prolonged exposure of the containers to fire or intense heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing. GERMANE is used in making electronics.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Pyrophoric, the germanium hydrides are spontaneously flammable in air [Merck 1989]. Germanium has an exothermic reaction when dropped in water accompanied by crackling [Bretherick's 5th edition].
Reactivity Profile
Hydrides, such as GERMANE, are reducing agents and react rapidly and dangerously with oxygen and with other oxidizing agents, even weak ones. Thus, they are likely to ignite on contact with alcohols. Hydrides are incompatible with acids, alcohols, amines, and aldehydes.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Some of these materials may react violently with water. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
Potential Exposure
This material is used as a doping
agent in solid state electronic component manufacture.
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. If this
chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin res cue breathing (using universal precautions, including resusci tation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action
has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Shipping
UN2192 Germane, Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels:
2.3-Poisonous gas, 2.1-Flammable gas, Inhalation Hazard
Zone B. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright
position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and
labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed
gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law
(49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of
transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders
without the express written permission of the owner.
Incompatibilities
Pyrophoric; may ignite spontaneously in
air. Attacks hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon lubricants.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from oxidizing and nonoxidizing acids, ammonia, aqua
regia, sulfuric acid, carbonates, halogens, and nitrates.
Explosive reaction or ignition with potassium chlorate,
potassium nitrate, chlorine, bromine, oxygen, and potas sium hydroxide in the presence of heat.
Waste Disposal
Return refillable compressed
gas cylinders to supplier. Dispose of contents and container
to an approved waste disposal plant. All federal, state, and
local environmental regulations must be observed.
Uses
Doping agent for solid-state electronic
components
Uses
Germanium tetrahydride (GeH4) is used to produce crystals of germanium. It is extremely
toxic.
Uses
It is used to produce high-purity germaniummetal and as a doping substance for electroniccomponents.
