NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Diborane

CAS
19287-45-7

B2H6

RTECS
HQ9275000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Boroethane, Boron hydride, Diboron hexahydride
DOT ID & Guide
1911 / 119

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/m3)
IDLH
15 ppm See: 19287457
Conversion
1 ppm = 1.13 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a repulsive, sweet odor. [Note: Usually shipped in pressurized cylinders diluted with hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, or helium.]
MW: 27.7
BP: -135°F
FRZ: -265°F
Sol: Reacts
VP(62°F): 39.5 atm
IP: 11.38 eV
RGasD: 0.97

Fl.P: NA (Gas)
UEL: 88%
LEL: 0.8%

Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Water, halogenated compounds, aluminum, lithium, oxidized surfaces, acids [Note: Will ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. Reacts with water to form hydrogen & boric acid.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 6006
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)


Breathing: Respiratory support

Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 5 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 15 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
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation
Symptoms
Chest tightness, precordial pain, shortness breath, nonproductive cough, nausea; headache, dizziness, chills, fever, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), tremor, muscle fasciculation; in animals: liver, kidney damage; pulmonary edema; hemorrhage
Target Organs
respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0432   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0069