Decaborane

Synonyms

Boron hydride (B10H14); Decaborane(14); Decaboron tetradecahydride; Tetradecahydrodecaborane; nido-Decaborane(14); [ChemIDplus] UN1868

Category

Metalloid Compounds (Boron)

Description

Colorless to white crystalline solid with an intense, bitter, chocolate-like odor; [NIOSH] White powder with a pungent odor; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Decaborane is used as a polymer catalyst and rocket fuel additive. [ACGIH] Used as catalyst, corrosion inhibitor, fuel additive, stabilizer, rayon delustrant, mothproofing agent, dye-stripping agent, reducing agent, fluxing agent, oxygen scavenger, and propellant; [Hawley]

Comments

Toxic effects to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys are observed in animals exposed through the skin and inhalation routes. Incoordination, tremors, and seizures have been reported in workers exposed to decaborane. Because of rapid olfactory fatigue, the odor is not a dependable warning. [ACGIH] Highly reactive; [Merck Index] Produces hydrogen gas on reaction with water or moisture; Aerosol is a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS effects; Exposure limit value exceeded without sufficient odor warning; [ICSC] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [HSDB] Releases hydrogen gas on contact with water; An irritant; Highly toxic by inhalation; Toxic by ingestion and skin absorption; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

0.05 ppm

0.15 ppm

0.05 ppm

0.05 ppm

3 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statement by ILO [1971] that the 4­hour LC50 was 122 to 230 mg/m3 for small animals. . . . Basis for revised IDLH: The revised IDLH for decaborane is 15 mg/m3 based on acute inhalation toxicity data in animals [Schechter 1958].

0.05 mm Hg

0.06 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 46 ppm/hr

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from AIHA; VP from HSDB;

high ambient temp required

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, acute toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)