Boron trifluoride acetate complex

Boron trifluoride acetate complex is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is soluble in water. It is corrosive to metals and tissues.

Properties and characteristics of the substance

Air and water reaction

In humid air it forms a strong white smoke, irritates the skin, is corrosive to the skin, avoid inhalation. Reacts in water.

Fire hazard

Boron trifluoride acetate complex is toxic or corrosive (non-combustible/water sensitive)

Boron trifluoride acetate complex is non-combustible and the substance itself does not burn, but may decompose when heated to produce corrosive or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basements, tanks, hoppers/tankers, etc.). Substances may react with water (some react violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may emit flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or contaminated with water.

Health Hazards

Boron trifluoride acetate complex is toxic and/or corrosive (non-flammable/water sensitive): Toxic; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substances may cause serious injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may produce large amounts of heat, which may increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fires can produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause contamination.

Reaction Curve

A highly corrosive, moisture-sensitive liquid that releases toxic fluoride and boron oxide fumes when heated to decomposition.

Belongs to the following reaction groups

1. acid, carboxylic acid

2. Fluorinated salts, soluble

3. weak acids

Potentially incompatible absorbents

Use with caution: liquids with this reactive group classification are known to react with the following absorbents 

◮ Mineral-based and clay-based absorbents

◮ Sand

◮ dirt/earth

Protective measures

Isolation and evacuation

This substance is toxic and/or corrosive (non-flammable/water sensitive), as an immediate precaution, isolate the spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 m (150 ft) to prevent liquids and at least 25 m (75 ft) for solids.

Spills

Downwind, increase the isolation distance shown above as needed.

Fire

In the event of a tank, railcar or tanker fire, isolate 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; in addition, consider an initial evacuation of 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Fire Fighting

This material substance is toxic and/or corrosive (non-combustible/water sensitive).

Note

Some foams can react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

Small fires

CO₂ (except cyanide), dry powder, dry sand, insoluble foam.

Large fires

Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If containers can be removed from the fire without risk. Use water spray or fog; do not use direct current. Dike fire water for later disposal; do not disperse material.

Fires involving tank or car/trailer loads 

Extinguish from the farthest distance or use unmanned hose stands or monitor nozzles. Do not allow water to enter containers. Cool container with plenty of water until fire is completely extinguished. If the exhaust safety device makes an elevated sound or the tank becomes discolored, evacuate immediately. Always stay away from tanks engulfed by fire.

Non-Fire Response

Eliminate all ignition sources (no smoking, torches, sparks or flames in the immediate area). All equipment used in handling product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing proper protective clothing. If you can do so without risk, stop the spill. Vapor suppression foam can be used to reduce vapor. Do not allow water to enter the container. Use water spray to reduce vapor or to divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to come in contact with spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

Small spills

Cover with dry soil, dry sand, or other non-combustible material, then cover with plastic sheeting to minimize spread or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect materials and place them in loosely covered plastic containers for later use.

Protective clothing

Wear a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. The structural firefighter's suit provides only limited protection in a fire situation; it is not effective in a spill situation where direct contact with the substance is possible.

First Aid

Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the materials involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move the victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical services. If victim is not breathing, perform artificial respiration. If the victim ingests or inhales the material, do not use mouth-to-mouth methods; administer artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other appropriate respiratory medical equipment. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. If exposed, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. If exposed to hydrofluoric acid, flush with plenty of water. For skin contact, if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse for 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue to rinse until treatment can be administered. For eyes, flush with water or saline for 15 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid applying the material to unaffected skin. Keep victim calm and warm. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to the substance may be delayed.