Pentaborane
Synonyms & Trade Names
Pentaboron nonahydrideExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.005 ppm (0.01 mg/m3) ST 0.015 ppm (0.03 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 0.005 ppm (0.01 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent odor like sour milk.Molecular Weight
63.1Boiling Point
140°FFreezing Point
-52°FSolubility
ReactsVapor Pressure
171 mmHgIonization Potential
9.90 eVSpecific Gravity
0.62Flash Point
86°FUpper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
0.42%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, halogens, water, halogenated hydrocarbons [Note: May ignite SPONTANEOUSLY in moist air. Corrosive to natural rubber. Hydrolyzes slowly with heat in water to form boric acid.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin; dizziness, headache, drowsiness, incoordination, tremor, convulsions, behavioral changes; tonic spasm face, neck, abdominal, limbsTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 0.05 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 0.125 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 0.25 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 1 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
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division