Substance profile
Boron Trichloride
Boron Trichloride is a gas at room temperature with a pungent, irritating odor.
01 · Identification
What Boron Trichloride is
Boron Trichloride is a gas at room temperature with a pungent, irritating odor. It boils at 12.5 °C, melts at -107 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH014
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P304, P310, P330, P331
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Boron Trichloride properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -107.3 °C (-161.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -107.22 °C (-161 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -107 °C (-160.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.0048 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.35 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 1.35 g/cm³ | at 12 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | |
| Vapor pressure | 1125 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 1245 mmHg | at 27 °C | HSDB | |
| 1250 mmHg | at 27 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | ... May ... explode in moist air ... | Boranes | HSDB |
| Vapor density | 4.03 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 181.85 °C (359.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | It is corrosive to metals | HSDB | |
| Vigorously attacks elastomers and packing materials | HSDB | ||
| Strong irritant to tissue. Fumes are corrosive and toxic | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Boron Trichloride
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
A trap should always be used when transferring the liquid or gas into a solution to prevent impurities from being sucked back into the cylinder, which might create an explosive mixture.
Source: HSDB
A boron trichloride cylinder contains a large amount of liquid and should never be permitted to become overheated. If the container is completely filled with liquid, an increase in temperature could build up tremendous pressure and cause the cylinder to burst. For this reason closed containers such as cylinders should be filled only by experts ...
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Boron Trichloride
Storage conditions
Fireproof if in building. Separated from food and feedstuffs.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Boron trichloride reacts energetically with nitrogen peroxide, phosphine, or fat and grease.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BORON TRICHLORIDE vigorously attacks elastomers and packing materials. Contact with Viton, Tygon, Saran and natural and synthetic rubbers is not recommended. Highly corrosive to most metals in the presence of moisture. Reacts energetically with nitrogen dioxide/dinitrogen tetraoxide, aniline, phosphine, triethylsilane, or fat and grease [Mellor 5:132 1946-47]. Reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, inorganic hydroxides).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Boron Trichloride in the storage compatibility matrix →