Sodium borohydride

HCID 4311764CAS 16940-66-2

Basic information

Standard SMILES
[BH4-].[Na+]
InChIKey
YOQDYZUWIQVZSF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
BH4Na
Average molar mass
37.84 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
38.0303746

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Sodium borohydride
IUPAC
sodium boranuide
English name
Sodium borohydride
Molecular formula
BH4Na
Molecular weight
37.83

Names & synonyms

NaBH4borohydrure de sodiumDTXSID80893977Sodium tetrahydridoborate(1-)Sodium borohydride (Na(BH4))CHEBI:50985RefChem:183807DTXCID801324021241-004-416940-66-287L0B9CPPABorate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium
Show more names
SODIUM TETRAHYDROBORATESBHSODIUM TETRAHYDRIDOBORATEAFBH4NasodiumborohydrateNatriumtetrahydroboratSODIUM BOROHYDRIDE CAPLETSSodium borohydride, 98% min
BORATE(1-), TETRAHYDRO-, SODIUM (1:1)BorolCOLORSTRIP 2000EC 241-004-4EINECS 241-004-4Hidkitex DFHYDRIFINSodium borohydrate

Database identifiers

CAS
16940-66-2
PubChem CID
4311764
DTXSID
DTXSID80893977
ChEBI
CHEBI:50985
UNII
87L0B9CPPA
EC Number
241-004-4

Properties

Computed structural properties

Topological polar surface area
0 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
0
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
2

Experimental & physicochemical properties

Density · 4 items

1.074 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.074 g/cu cm (anhydrous material)

1.07 g/cm³

1.07 @25 °C

Color/Form · 2 items

White to gray-white microcystalline powder or lumps

White cubic crystals, hygroscopic

Solubility · 5 items

Soluble in "Cellosolve" ether

Soluble in ammonia, amines, pyridine, dimethyl ether of diethylene glycol; insoluble in other ethers, hydrocarbons, alkyl chlorides

Solubility (wt/wt) in liquid ammonia, 104% at 25 °C; in ethylenediamine, 22% at 75 °C; in morpholine, 1.4% at 25 °C; in pyridine, 3.1% at 25 °C; in methanol, 16.4% at 20 °C (reacts); in ethanol, 4.0% at 20 °C (reacts slowly); in tetrahydrofuran, 0.1% at 20 °C; in diglyime, 5.5% at 20 °C; in dimethylformamide, 18.0% at 20 °C

Solubility (wt/wt) in water: 55% at 25 °C; 88.5% at 60 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 55

Decomposition · 3 items

When heated to decomposition emits toxic fumes of /sodium oxides/.

Solutions are rapidly decomposed by boiling.

>250 °C

Melting Point>400 °C (vacuum) (decomposes)
Refractive IndexINDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.542

Physicochemical properties

Melting point
300 °C · >300 °C (dec.) (lit.)
Boiling point
500 °C · 500°C
bulk density
350 · 350-500kg/m3
Density
1.035 g/mL · 1.035 g/mL at 25 °C
vapor pressure
1 hPa · <1 hPa (25 °C)
Flash point
158 °F · 158 °F

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.4% (3 of 671) of reports.

Danger

H260 (86.7%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases];H301 (99.6%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral];H311 (23%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal];H314 (99.6%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation];H318 (71.4%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation];H332 (16.7%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation];H360 (43.7%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P223, P231+P232, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 671 reports by companies from 41 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.;Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3 of 671 reports by companies.;There are 40 notifications provided by 668 of 671 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).;Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 5 items

Chemical: Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium

Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 10-02-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14382;Status: Active Update: 20-06-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/33312

Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium: HSNO Approval: HSR001294 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

DOT LabelDangerous When Wet
Fire Hazards · 3 items

Behavior in Fire: Decomposes and produces highly flammable hydrogen gas. (USCG, 1999)

· Produce flammable gases on contact with water.;· May ignite on contact with water or moist air.;· Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.;· May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.;· May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.;· Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.;· Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Combustible. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acids, alcohol, oxidizing agents or water.

Fire Potential · 2 items

Moderate, when exposed to heat or flame or by chemical reaction with oxidizers.

Supports combustion

Health Hazards · 2 items

Solid irritates skin. If ingested can form large volume of gas and lead to a gas embolism. (USCG, 1999)

· Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death.;· May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water.;· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.;· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

Hazards SummaryAt lethal concentrations, animals have seizures; [ChemIDplus] Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation can cause acute pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO MSDS]

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 2 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:;DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.;SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.;LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.;FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.;FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use dry sand, dry powder. NO water. NO foam. NO carbon dioxide.

First Aid Measures · 4 items

Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Accidental Release Measures · 2 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.;· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.;Small Spill;· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.;· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.;Powder Spill;· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.;· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

First Aid · 2 items

INGESTION: do NOT induce vomiting; give dilute vinegar, lemon juice, milk, or olive oil; call a doctor.;SKIN AND EYES: flood with large amount of water. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Safe StorageDry. Well closed. Separated from strong acids, alcohols, powdered metals and water.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection · 1 item

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).;· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.;· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Toxicology

Adverse EffectsNeurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin;Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.;Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.
Exposure RoutesSerious local effects by all routes of exposure.
Signs and Symptoms · 4 items

Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.

Redness. Pain. Skin burns.

Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.

Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Abdominal pain. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.

Medical SurveillanceNo specific considerations are needed for boric acid or borates except for general health and liver and kidney function. /Boric acid and borates/
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts · 2 items

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ By dermal application to the moist back of rabbits 6 of 10 died when 400 mg was applied in 2 doses in the same area; however, when the same application was made in different areas, no deaths resulted. ... Sodium borohydride on dry skin ... produced no signs of irritation.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ When instilled into the eye of rabbits, 1 mg sodium borohydride produced irreversible damage ...

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary · 1 item

Inorganic boron compounds (with the exception of hydroboranes) are expected to be nonvolatile and will exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase boron compounds will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. The chemistry of boron is dominated by its tendency to form stable bonds with electronegative atoms, especially oxygen. Reduced boron compounds (halides, hydrides, alkyls and aryls) tend to oxidize and hydrolyze readily, and would be expected to be converted into various boron-oxide compounds in the environment. Inorganic boron compounds are nonvolatile and would not be expected to volatilize from moist or dry soil surfaces. Since the adsorption of boron is expected to be most significant for soils that contain high concentrations of amorphous aluminum and iron oxides and hydroxides, sediments with these characteristics may also strongly adsorb boron compounds. (SRC)

Regulatory information

Regulatory Information · 5 items

Chemical: Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium

Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 10-02-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14382;Status: Active Update: 20-06-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/33312

Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium: HSNO Approval: HSR001294 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

State Drinking Water Guidelines · 5 items

(CA) CALIFORNIA 1000 ug/L /Boron/

(NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE 630 ug/L /Boron/

(ME) MAINE 1,400 ug/L /Boron/

(MN) MINNESOTA 1,000 ug/L /Boron/

(WI) WISCONSIN 960 ug/L /Boron/

Federal Drinking Water GuidelinesEPA 600 ug/L /Boron/

Safety data

F
10-21
PPE
Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges
wgk
2
tsca
TSCA listed
rtecs
ED3325000
ridadr
UN 1426

Chemistry & industry

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 5 items

Used as a reducing agent, a foaming agent, a bleaching agent (wood pulp), and a blowing agent (plastics); Used in the recycling of gold and platinum; [HSDB]

Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry];Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry];Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Reducing agent for aldehydes, ketones and Schiff bases in nonaqueous solvents. Also reduces acids, esters, acid chlorides, disulfides, nitriles, and inorganic anions. Further used to generate diborane, as foaming agent, as scavenger for traces of aldehyde, ketones and peroxides in organic chemicals.

Source of hydrogen & other borohydrides; bleacher of wood pulp; blowing agent for plastics

Recycling of gold and platinum group metals, inorganic and organometallic reductions, /SRP: analytical reagent/.

U.S. Production2023: 1,000,000 - <8,500,000 lb;2022: 8,500,000 - <25,000,000 lb;2021: 8,500,000 - <25,000,000 lb;2020: 8,500,000 - <25,000,000 lb
Industry UsesBleaching agent;Intermediate;Reducing agent
Methods of Manufacturing · 2 items

Prepared from methyl borate and sodium hydride at elevated temperatures.

Manufactured from sodium hydride & trimethyl borate in a mineral oil medium at 275 °C

Formulations/Preparations · 2 items

Commercial sodium borohydride is 97+% pure

Grades of purity: 95-98% minimum purity, dry powder, pellets, 12% solution in 43% aqueous sodium hydroxide.

General Manufacturing Information · 2 items

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing;All Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing;Paper Manufacturing;Textiles, apparel, and leather manufacturing

Borate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1): ACTIVE

Applications · 4 items

UsesSodium borohydride (NaBH4) is a versatile reducing agent used in a number of industrial processes. Major applications include organic and pharmaceutical synthesis, wastewater treatment, and paper pulp bleaching. Sodium borohydride plays such a significant role in organic synthesis. It is a good reducing agent which has stable performance and selective reduction. It can be used as the reducing agents of aldehydes, ketones and acid chlorides; also as foaming agent for plastic materials, hydrogenating agent of making dihydrostreptomycin, intermediate of making potassium borohydride, raw materials in synthesizing borane, as well as the treatment agent of paper industry and mercury-containing waste water. Sodium borohydride provides organic chemists a very convenient and mild means for reduction of aldehydes and ketones. Before this, people usually use metal/alcohol approach to reduce carbonyl compound. Sodium borohydride enables the reduction of carbonyl of aldehydes and ketones under very mild conditions to produce primary alcohols and secondary alcohols. Reduction procedure is as below: First dissolve the substrate in a solvent (typically methanol or ethanol), then cool with an ice bath. Finally add sodium borohydride powder to the mixture until the reaction is completed. The reaction process can be monitored by thin layer chromatography. If the solvent is not an alcohol, we need to additionally supply methanol or ethanol along with the reaction. Sodium borohydride is a reducing agent with medium strength, and thus exhibiting good chemical selectivity. It only reduces active aldehyde and ketone carbonyl group, and does not react with the ester, amide.

UsesSodium borohydride is used as a reagent in the reduction of amino acids and their derivatives. Also used as a catalyst in the ammonia borane dehydrogenation. Sodium borohydride is used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. It is also used for wood pulp and as a blowing agent for plastics. It reduces the aldehyde and keto groups to give the corresponding alcohols.

UsesNanocrystalline superlattices in gold colloid solution have been prepared by ligand-induction using AuCl3 reduced with sodium borohydride. Nucleophilic addition of hydride ion from sodium borohydride is an inexpensive alternative method for the Baylis-Hillman reaction to form [E]-a-methylcinnamic acids. A reductant solution composed of NaBH4 and NaOH was used to form mercury cold vapor. NaBH4 may be used to generate hydrogen by catalytic hydrolysis.

General DescriptionSodium borohydride is a white to grayish crystalline powder. Sodium borohydride is decomposed by water to form sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material, and hydrogen, a flammable gas. The heat of this reaction may be sufficient to ignite the hydrogen. The material itself is easily ignited and burns vigorously once ignited. Sodium borohydride is used to make other chemicals, treat waste water, and for many other uses.

Preparation methods · 1 item

PreparationSodium borohydride is prepared by reacting sodium hydride with trimethyl borate at about 250°C: 4 NaH + B(OCH3)3 → NaBH3 + 3NaOCH3Also, sodium borohydride can be made by passing diborane, B2H6, through a solution of sodium methylate, NaOCH3 , in methanol: 2B2H6 + 3NaOCH3→ 3NaBH3 + B(OCH3)3Alternatively, diborane may be be passed through a solution of sodium tetramethoxyborohydride at low temperatures: 3 NaB(OCH3)3 + 2B2H6 → 3NaBH3 + 4B(OCH3)3.

Additional notes

DefinitionChEBI: Sodium borohydride is an inorganic sodium salt and a metal tetrahydridoborate.

Related reactions

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Linked notes

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