Pentaborane

DescriptionPentaborane is a nonmetallic, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It decomposes at 300°F (148°C), if it has not already ignited, and will ignite spontaneously in air if impure. It is a dangerous fire and explosion risk, with a flammable range of 0.46%–98% in air. Boiling point is 145°F (64°C), flash point is 86°F (30°C), and ignition temperature is 95°F (35°C), which is extremely low. Any object that is 95°F (35°C) or above can be an ignition source. Ignition sources can be ordinary objects on a hot day in the summer, such as the pavement, metal on vehicles, and even the air. In addition to extreme flammability, it is also toxic by ingestion or inhalation and is a strong irritant. TLV is 0.005 ppm in air, and it is immiscible in water. The four-digit UN identification number is 1380. The NFPA 704 designation for pentaborane is health 4, flammability 4, and reactivity 2. The primary uses are as fuel for air-breathing engines and as a propellant.

UsesThere appears to be no commercial market for pentaborane. In the 1950s it was explored as a potential rocket fuel.

UsesReducing agent in propellant fuels

General DescriptionA clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor like sour milk, and flammable.It is corrosive to natural rubber, some synthetic rubber, some greases, and some lubricants and gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. It reacts violently with fire. Pentaboron nonahydride incompatible with strong oxidants such as chromium anhydride, chlorate and potassium permanganate, and other contacts. Vapors toxic both under prolonged exposure to low concentrations and short exposure to high concentrations. Density 0.61 g / cm3. Under prolonged exposure to intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.