Diborane

Synonyms

Boroethane; Boron hydride; Diboron hexahydride; Diborane; [ChemIDplus] UN1911

Category

Hydrides

Description

Colorless gas with a repulsive, sweet odor; Note: Usually shipped in pressurized cylinders diluted with hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, or helium; [NIOSH] Vapor density = 0.96 (lighter than air); [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as a rocket fuel, semiconductor doping agent, rubber vulcanizer, reducing agent, and polymerization catalyst; [ACGIH]

Comments

Listed as one of "major irritant airborne toxicants"; [LaDou, p. 563] Animals exposed to high concentrations develop respiratory irritation and pulmonary edema; [ACGIH] Corrosive to the skin and eyes; [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

Yes

0.1 ppm

0.1 ppm

15 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

1.8 ppm

Odor Threshold High

3.5 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 40 ppm/4H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = -90 deg C;

Reference Link #2

burn readily

Not appropriate

1 ppm

3 ppm

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing