NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Diborane CAS 19287-45-7
B2H6 RTECS HQ9275000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Boroethane, Boron hydride, Diboron hexahydride
DOT ID & Guide
1911 119
Exposure
Limits
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/m3)
IDLH 15 ppm See: 19287457 Conversion 1 ppm = 1.13 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a repulsive, sweet odor. [Note: Usually shipped in pressurized cylinders diluted with hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, or helium.]
MW: 27.7
BP: -135°F
FRZ: -265°F
Sol: Reacts
VP(62°F): 39.5 atm
IP: 11.38 eV
RGasD: 0.97

Fl.P: NA (Gas)
UEL: 88%
LEL: 0.8%

Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water, halogenated compounds, aluminum, lithium, oxidized surfaces, acids [Note: Will ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. Reacts with water to form hydrogen & boric acid.]
Measurement Method
Filter/Charcoal tube*; H2O2; Plasma emission spectroscopy; IV [#6006] See: NMAM INDEX
Personal Protection & Sanitation
Skin: N.R.
Eyes: N.R.
Wash skin: N.R.
Remove: N.R.
Change: N.R.

First Aid (See procedures)


Breathing: Respiratory support

Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 5 ppm: (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 15 ppm: (APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation
Symptoms Chest tightness, precordial pain, shortness breathing, nonproductive cough, nausea; headache, lightheadedness, vertigo (an illusion of movement), chills, fever, fatigue, weakness, tremor, muscle fasiculation; in animals: liver, kidney damage; pulmonary edema; hemorrhage
Target Organs respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0432   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0069