Chemical Name: Triethyl Borate
Chemical Formula: C6H15BO3
CAS Number: 900-95-8
Physical State: Colorless liquid
Odor: Faint, slightly sweet
Common Uses: Solvent, intermediate in organic synthesis, ingredient in specialty fuels
Main Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor, irritation to eyes and skin, potential health effects if inhaled or ingested
GHS Labels: Flame symbol for flammability, exclamation mark for health hazard
Potential Health Effects: Short-term exposure leads to eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation of vapors at high concentrations may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Direct contact can burn eyes.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Ingredient: Triethyl Borate
Content: More than 98% by weight
Other Potential Impurities: Trace amounts of ethanol and boric acid derivatives possible from hydrolysis
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with clean water for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Monitor for any respiratory symptoms. Medical evaluation may be needed.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.
Important Notes: Medical professionals should treat symptoms, not the chemical itself.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray may be effective for cooling and dispersing vapors, but not for extinguishing.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air, can travel and flash back to ignition sources. Containers risk explosion in intense heat.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and fully protective gear. Avoid breathing fumes.
Combustion Products: Burning may produce carbon oxides, boron oxides, and irritating vapors.
Personal Precautions: Isolate spill area. Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate area.
Spill Cleanup: Absorb liquid with inert material such as sand or vermiculite and collect in a suitable container for safe disposal.
Avoid Contact: Wear protective gloves and goggles. Do not touch spilled material directly.
Environmental Protection: Prevent runoff to drains or open water. Notify authorities if large quantities escape.
Decontamination: Wash spill site after cleanup is finished.
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas away from sparks, heat, and open flames. Do not breathe vapors.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot. Keep container upright and away from strong acids, bases, oxidizers, and moisture.
Incompatibilities: Reacts with strong oxidizers and water. Hydrolysis releases ethanol and boric acid.
Engineering Controls: Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep concentrations below exposure limits. Chemical fume hoods recommended.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Use NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure risk exists.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and equipment before eating or drinking.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Boiling Point: About 120°C
Melting Point: Below -50°C
Flash Point: Roughly 15°C (open cup, varies by reference)
Specific Gravity: 0.88 at 20°C
Solubility: Slight in water; miscible with organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at 20°C
Reactivity to Water: Slow hydrolysis producing ethanol and boric acid
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under standard storage conditions, though slow hydrolysis occurs in moist air.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis; water and moisture increase breakdown.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, boron oxides, ethanol on hydrolysis or combustion.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, moisture, incompatible chemicals.
Acute Effects: Short-term exposure causes irritation to eyes and mucous membranes, dizziness on inhalation, skin redness.
Chronic Effects: No confirmed long-term risks from low-level occupational exposure, but repeated contact may cause skin dryness or dermatitis.
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, central nervous system.
Carcinogenicity: No classification as a carcinogen according to major agencies from currently available data.
Other Health Risks: Metabolic breakdown products (ethanol, boric acid) may add to toxicity especially with significant exposure.
Aquatic Toxicity: Limited data exists, but breakdown to boric acid and ethanol can affect aquatic environments particularly in confined and poorly diluted systems.
Degradability: Hydrolysis in water and soil produces boric acid and ethanol, which are more persistent.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely with triethyl borate itself, but boron compounds may accumulate over time in certain organisms if disposed improperly.
Environmental Impact: Minimize release to soil and water. Careful disposal recommended to prevent local environmental overload.
Waste Treatment: Incinerate or process in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations.
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple rinsed and punctured before disposal.
Other Considerations: Do not allow material to enter sewers or waterways.
Best Practices: Work with licensed waste handlers familiar with organic chemical disposal.
UN Number: 1993 (classified as flammable liquid, n.o.s.)
Hazard Class: 3—Flammable liquid
Packing Group: II (medium hazard)
Labeling Requirements: Must carry appropriate “Flammable Liquid” tags during transport. Secure containers to prevent leakage.
Transport Precautions: Keep well away from heat sources, open fire, incompatible materials, and direct sunlight.
Workplace Regulation: Usually handled under general chemical safety regulations; local permissible exposure limits may apply as for other organic solvents.
Reporting Requirements: Quantities above certain thresholds may trigger local environmental authority notification.
Hazard Communication: Labels and safety data information should be clearly available to workers and emergency responders.
Other Legal Points: Use and disposal in tune with local, regional, and national safety and environmental laws.
