Material Safety Data Sheet for Sodium Borohydride

Identification

Product Name: Sodium Borohydride
Chemical Formula: NaBH₄
Synonyms: Sodium tetrahydridoborate
CAS Number: 16940-66-2
Recommended Use: Reducing agent in chemical synthesis, bleaching, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper industries
Manufacturer/Distributor: [Company-specific details to be filled based on supplier]
Emergency Contact: [Refer to site emergency plan or local poison center]

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable solids (Category 1), Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 4), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Eye damage/irritation (Category 1), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3), Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable solid, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed, may cause respiratory irritation, toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Flame, Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, store in a dry place, keep container tightly closed, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection, avoid release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium borohydride
Concentration: 98% or higher
Impurities: May contain minor amounts of metal borohydrides or residual solvents
Molecular Weight: 37.83 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention if breathing is difficult, administer oxygen if trained personnel available
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention, launder clothing before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical attention without delay
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give large amounts of water if person is conscious, seek immediate medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry sand, dry chemical, or class D fire extinguisher; water contact may release flammable gases
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water, foam, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen gas, sodium oxide, boron oxides
Firefighting Instructions: Move containers from fire area if safe, cool containers with dry agents, avoid inhaling fumes or smoke, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe areas, ensure adequate ventilation, wear protective clothing, gloves, chemical goggles, and respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, or soil, contain spills with inert material
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up spills with great care, place into dry, properly labeled containers using non-sparking tools, do not use water in cleanup, ventilate area, dispose as hazardous waste according to local guidelines

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle only in a chemical fume hood or well-ventilated area, avoid creating dust and ignition sources, transfer material under inert atmosphere or dry protective gas, prevent contact with water, acids, oxidizers
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, segregate from incompatible materials, store away from acids and oxidizing agents, ensure containers are clearly labeled, protect from moisture and direct sunlight

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust formation, install safety shower and eyewash stations nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses, impervious gloves (e.g. nitrile or neoprene), full-length lab coat or chemical-resistant suit, NIOSH-approved respirator if dust or fumes likely
Exposure Guidelines: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits; minimize airborne concentrations as much as possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to grayish, hygroscopic powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faint, slightly unpleasant
Melting Point: 400°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not available (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water (decomposes); soluble in liquid ammonia
pH: Strongly alkaline in aqueous solutions
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid)
Decomposition Temperature: 400°C
Density: 1.074 g/cm³ (at 20°C)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable when dry and protected from contaminants; decomposes in presence of water, acids, or moist air, releasing hydrogen gas
Incompatible Materials: Water, acids, oxidizers, halogenated compounds, strong bases
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not polymerize
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen gas, borates, sodium hydroxide
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, heat, acids, flame, static discharge, friction

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 1,090 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe skin burns
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye burns, possible permanent eye damage
Respiratory Effects: May cause coughing, labored breathing, sore throat
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to sensitization or delayed tissue damage
Carcinogenicity: Not identified as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Other Data: Harmful effects may result from the liberation of hydrogen gas; sodium borohydride hydrolysis products are corrosive

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly hydrolyzes in water to release hydrogen and borates
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Mobile due to high solubility; breakdown products may persist
Other Ecological Effects: Releases of large quantities into surface waters can disrupt aquatic ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents and containers as hazardous waste under local, regional, and national regulations; do not discharge to sewers or watercourses
Neutralization: Destruction by careful, controlled hydrolysis using excess water under well-ventilated conditions, with temperature control to manage hydrogen gas evolution
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, treat as hazardous, deliver to authorized waste handler
Special Instructions: Avoid contact with incompatible substances during disposal, document all procedures and transportation steps as required by regulatory authorities

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1426
UN Proper Shipping Name: Sodium borohydride
Transport Hazard Class: 4.3 (Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases)
Packing Group: I (Great danger)
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Keep dry, avoid sources of ignition, do not transport with acids or oxidizers, ensure proper labeling and packaging for air, land, and sea transport per IMDG, IATA, and DOT rules

Regulatory Information

U.S. TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304): Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
SARA Title III (Section 313): Not subject to reporting
OSHA Hazard Communication: Classified as hazardous; requires proper labeling, safety training
EU Regulations/CLP: Classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP/GHS)
Other National Regulations: Refer to specific country or regional requirements for storage, handling, and waste disposal
WHMIS (Canada): Class B-6 (Reactive Flammable Material), Class E (Corrosive Material)