Sodium Borohydride
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Manufacturer/Supplier:
ESPI Metals
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
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Product Name: Sodium Borohydride
Formula: NaBH4
CAS Number: 16940-66-2
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Sodium Borohydride Magnesium Carbonate
Percent (%): 99.5 0.5
OSHA/PEL: N/E 15 mg/m3
ACGIH/TLV: N/E 10 mg/m3
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: N/A
Melting Point: 400 oC (decomposes)
Specific Gravity: 1.074 g/cc
Solubility in H2O: Soluble
Appearance and Odor: White to gray powder and pieces, no odor.
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash Point: N/A
Flammability: Flammable solid
Autoignition Temperature: 294 oC
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/E Upper: N/E
Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, dolomite. DO NOT USE WET CHEMICAL, WATER OR CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: Dangerous when wet. Ignites in air above 288 oC when exposed to spark. Potentially explosive reaction with aluminum chloride+bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether. Reacts with ruthenium salts to form a solid product which explodes when touched or on contact with water. Reacts to form dangerously explosive hydrogen gas on contact with alkali; water and other protic solvents; aluminum chloride+bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether. Reacts violently with anhydrous acids to form diborane. Violent exothermic reaction with dimethyl formamide has caused industrial explosions. Mixtures with sulfuric acid may ignite. Emits flammable vapors on contact with acid fumes. Materials sensitive to polymerization under alkaline conditions, such as acrylonitrile, may polymerize upon contact with sodium borohydride. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Na2O.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of sodium borohydride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Inhalation: Strong irritant to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause tightness, cough, and wheezing.
Ingestion: Poison by ingestion.
Skin: Severe irritant, may cause burns to moist skin.
Eye: Severe irritant and corrosive.
Chronic Effects: Inhalation: May cause respiratory disorders. No other chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: May affect the eyes, skin, respiratory system and mucous membranes.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: None recorded.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Seek immediate medical attention.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with plenty of soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Seek medical attention.
EYE: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, including under eyelids. Seek medical attention.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, flames and excessive heat, incompatible materials.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water/moisture, reducing agents, oxidizing agents, acids, halogens, metal powders.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen, metal oxide fumes.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Cover with dry sand or other non-combustible material and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents. Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust respirator.
Ventilation: Handle in an enclosed process and under an inert gas such as argon. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. General exhaust is not recommended.
Protective Gloves: Impervious gloves.
Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Protective work clothing.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container. Store in a cool, dry area. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Other Precautions: Sodium borohydride is hygroscopic, protect from water and humidity. Handle and store in a controlled environment under an inert gas such as argon. Do not store near acids or oxidizers. Protect from sources of ignition and electrostatic charges. Contact with water releases flammable gases.
Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.
TSCA Listed: Yes
DOT Regulations:
Hazard Class: 4.3
Identification Number: UN1426
Packing Group: I
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Borohydride
The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.
Issued by: S. Dierks
Dated: October 2007