Lead Fluoroborate, Lead Borofluoride, Lead Bis-tetrafluoroborate, 13814-96-5

Lead Fluoroborate, Lead Borofluoride, Lead Bis-tetrafluoroborate, 13814-96-5

LEAD FLUOROBORATE (LEAD(II) TETRAFLUOROBORATE)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Lead Fluoroborate (Pb(BF₄)₂) is the fluoroborate salt of lead in the +2 oxidation state. It consists of a lead ion (Pb²⁺) and two tetrafluoroborate anions (BF₄⁻). The weakly coordinating tetrafluoroborate anion provides distinct electrochemical and catalytic behavior relative to other lead salts . It is highly soluble in water and is commercially available primarily as a 50% aqueous solution . The compound is used in electroplating applications, as a Lewis acid catalyst, and as a curing agent for epoxy resins . Due to the presence of lead, it is highly toxic and classified as a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant .

Structural Features:

• Lead ion in +2 oxidation state

• Two tetrafluoroborate ligands (BF₄⁻)

• Highly soluble in water

• Weakly coordinating anion

• Supplied as aqueous solution (50% w/w)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

4. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

Performance Advantages in Electroplating :

• Finer-grained, denser lead deposits than acetate/sulfamate baths

• Higher throwing power compared to acetate baths (19.5%)

• Superior bath stability; no decomposition issues (unlike fluosilicate/sulfamate)

• Simple bath preparation; commercially available

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

6. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling Notes:

• Lead compounds are highly toxic and cumulative

• Use only in well-ventilated areas

• Avoid skin and eye contact

• Hygroscopic; protect from moisture

• Incompatible with aluminum (may corrode) 

7. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS :

• Lead Fluoroborate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans

• HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION

• Repeated exposure can cause Lead poisoning with metallic taste, colic, and muscle cramps

• May damage the nervous system, kidneys, brain, and blood cells (anemia)

• Extremely high exposure may cause Fluoride poisoning

• Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes

• Inhaling can irritate the nose and throat

• Lead accumulates in the body; it can take years to eliminate excess lead

8. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Hydrofluoric (HF) acid burns require immediate and specialized first aid 

• First treatment with calcium gluconate paste for skin contact 

• Medical personnel should be informed about lead and fluoride exposure

• Lead poisoning requires specific medical testing and monitoring 

9. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Spill/Release Measures :

• Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so

• Do not let product enter drains

• Soak up with inert absorbent material

• Dispose of as hazardous waste

• Discharge into the environment must be avoided

10. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

11. REGULATORY INFORMATION

12. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Lead Fluoroborate (Pb(BF₄)₂, CAS 13814-96-5) is a water-soluble lead salt supplied primarily as a 50% aqueous solution . It has a molecular weight of 380.81 g/mol and a density of 1.615–1.75 g/mL . It is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that is stable under normal conditions of use and storage .

Its most important applications include use as an electroplating electrolyte (provides finer-grained, denser lead deposits with superior throwing power and bath stability), as a Lewis acid catalyst for polyester production and epoxy resin curing (enables autocatalytic room-temperature cure) , and in soluble lead flow batteries for energy storage .

EXTREMELY TOXIC. Classified as a probable carcinogen (Category 1B) and reproductive toxicant (Category 1A) . Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects . Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, in tightly closed containers, away from alkalies, strong acids, and reactive metals.

Key Properties:

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. CARCINOGENICITY: Lead Fluoroborate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is evidence that inorganic Lead compounds cause lung, brain, stomach, and kidney cancer . HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.

2. REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY: May damage the unborn child and is suspected of damaging fertility (H360Df) . Lead and certain Lead compounds are teratogens and may cause reproductive damage .

3. LEAD ACCUMULATION: Repeated exposure causes Lead to accumulate in the body. It can take years for the body to eliminate excess Lead . Symptoms include metallic taste, colic, muscle cramps, and weakness.

4. MIXED TOXICITY: The compound contains both Lead and Fluoride ions. Extremely high exposure may cause Fluoride poisoning in addition to Lead poisoning .

5. CORROSIVE: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314) . Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410) . Do not let product enter drains or water sources.

7. WORKPLACE CONTROLS: Specific engineering controls are required by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1025). Blood Lead testing is required for workers exposed to >30 µg/m³ for 30+ days per year .

8. REGULATORY STATUS: Lead Fluoroborate is included in the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH .

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Lead Fluoroborate is EXTREMELY TOXIC and must only be used under controlled conditions with proper training and protective equipment. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with this material. In case of exposure, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.