NIOSH logo and tagline

Boron trifluoride

Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
Boron fluoride, Trifluoroborane
CAS No.
7637-07-2
RTECS No.
ED2275000
DOT ID & Guide
1008 125
Formula
BF₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.77 mg/m3
IDLH
25 ppm
See: 7637072
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
Measurement Methods
None available
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Forms dense white fumes in moist air. Shipped as a nonliquefied compressed gas.]
Molecular Weight
67.8
Boiling Point
-148°F
Freezing Point
-196°F
Solubility
106% (in cold H2O)
Vapor Pressure
>50 atm
Ionization Potential
15.50 eV
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Relative Gas Density
2.38
Nonflammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Alkali metals, calcium oxide [Note: Hydrolyzes in moist air or hot water to form boric acid, hydrogen fluoride & fluoboric acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory system; epistaxis (nosebleed); eye, skin burns; In Animals: pneumonitis; kidney damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 10 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 25 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator 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

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

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0231
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health