Boron tribromide

Agent Name
Boron tribromide
CAS Number
10294-33-4
Formula
B-Br3
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Borane, tribromo-; Boron bromide; Boron bromide (BBr3); Tribromoborane; Tribromoboron; Trona; [ChemIDplus] UN2692
Category
Other Toxic Gases & Vapors
Description
Colorless, fuming liquid with a sharp, irritating odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a catalyst, e.g., polymerization of olefins and production of diborane; Also used in semiconductors (bromine source and plasma etching); [ACGIH]
Comments
Liquid will burn skin; [CHRIS] Toxic effects are similar to those of hydrogen bromide (which is released when BBr3 reacts violently with water). [ACGIH] A corrosive that can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC]
Reference Link #1
NIOSH Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards: Boron tribromide
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Ceiling (ACGIH)
0.7 ppm
Explanatory Notes
VP = 100 mm Hg at 33.5 deg C; [HSDB] Some “Water Reactive Materials” are also TIH materials themselves: Boron tribromide; [ERG 2016]
Half Life
Whole body (for boron taken orally): complete removed within 96 hrs; For bromide (depends on compound & route) whole body: 1 hr to 12 days; [TDR, p. 205, 214]
Reference Link #2
ICSC: Boron bromide
NFPA
will not burn

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: