Description
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.
Chemical Properties
white powder
Chemical Properties
Decaborane is a colorless solid with a bitter
odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.06 ppm.
Uses
It is used in rocket propellants and as acatalyst in olefin polymerization.
Uses
In rocket propellants, and as a catalyst in olefin polymerization Boron source for ion-implantation processes.
Uses
Decaborane is used as a catalyst in the polymerization of
olefins.
Uses
In rocket propellants; as catalyst in olefin polymerization.
General Description
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.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. DECABORANE may spontaneously ignite upon exposure to air. Slightly soluble in cold water [Merck].
Reactivity Profile
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].
Health Hazard
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.
Health Hazard
Decaborane is a highly toxic compoundby all routes of administration. Its toxicityis somewhat greater than that of diborane.The acute toxic symptoms in humans frominhalation of its vapors could be headache,nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.In severe poisoning, muscle spasmand convulsion may occur. Symptoms of toxicitymay appear 1 or 2 days after exposure,and the recovery is slow. An LC50value for mice from a 40- hour exposure was12 ppm.
Ingestion can cause spasm, tremor, andconvulsion. It can be absorbed through theskin, producing drowsiness and loss of coordination.Toxic effects from skin absorption,however, are relatively moderate.
LD
50 value, oral (mice): 41 mg/kg
LD
50 value, skin (rats): 740 mg/kg
.
Fire Hazard
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.
Safety Profile
Poison by inhalation,
ingestion, sktn contact, and intraperitoneal
routes. Ignites in O2 at 100°C. Forms
impact-sensitive explosive mixtures with
ethers (e.g., dioxane) and halocarbons (e.g.,
carbon tetrachloride). Incompatible with
dimethyl sulfoxide. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of boron
oxides. See also BORON COMPOUNDS
and BORANES.
Potential Exposure
Decaborane is used as a catalyst in
olefin polymerization; in rocket propellants; in gasoline
additives and as a vulcanizing agent for rubber.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPRif heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
storage
(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.
Shipping
UN1868 Decaborane, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels:
4.1-Flammable solid, 6.1-Poisonous materials
Purification Methods
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.]
Incompatibilities
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.
Waste Disposal
Incineration with aqueous
scrubbing of exhaust gases to remove B2O3 particulates.
