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Send EmailSodium Tetrahydroborate, Sodium Borohydride, SBH, 16940-66-2
NaBH₄
H
|
H — B — H
|
Na⁺
| Representation Type | Formula |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | NaBH₄ |
| Linear Notation | Na[BH₄] |
| SMILES | [BH4-].[Na+] |
| InChI | InChI=1S/BH4.Na/h1H4;/q-1;+1 |
| CAS Number | 16940-66-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 241-004-4 |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Central Atom | B (Boron) |
| Hydride Groups | 4 (H⁻) |
| Counter Ion | Na⁺ (Sodium) |
| Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| Bond Type | Ionic (Na⁺...BH₄⁻) |
| Hydride Donor | BH₄⁻ (tetrahydroborate anion) |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sodium Borohydride |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Sodium Tetrahydridoborate |
| Synonyms | Sodium Tetrahydroborate, Sodium Borohydride, SBH |
| CAS Number | 16940-66-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 241-004-4 |
| Molecular Formula | NaBH₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 37.83 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Metal hydride, borate |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (white to off-white powder or granules) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Slightly sweet, alkaline (toxic) |
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder or granules | Visual |
| Color | White to slightly grayish | Visual |
| Odor | Odorless | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | 37.83 g/mol | Calculated |
| Density (20°C) | ~1.07 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Bulk Density | 0.35 – 0.45 g/cm³ | ASTM D6393 |
| Melting Point | ~400°C (decomposes) | DSC |
| Decomposition Temperature | >250°C (in vacuum) | TGA |
| Solubility in Water | Reacts vigorously (releases hydrogen) | - |
| Solubility in Methanol | 16.4 g/100 mL (25°C) | General Method |
| Solubility in Ethanol | 4.0 g/100 mL (25°C) | General Method |
| Solubility in Diethyl Ether | Insoluble | General Method |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | ~10-11 (hydrolyzes rapidly) | ISO 4045 |
| Stability | High under dry, inert conditions | - |
| Autoignition Temperature | ~220°C (in moist air) | ASTM E659 |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) | - |
| Hydride Content | ≥ 98.5% | Iodometric titration |
| Purity (Typical) | ≥ 98% – 99.5% | HPLC / Titrimetric |
| Particle Size (Powder) | ≤ 75 µm (typical) | Sieve Analysis |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Character | Strong reducing agent; metal hydride |
| Reduction Potential (E°) | -1.24 V (BH₄⁻ → BO₂⁻) |
| Hydride Donor Capacity | 4 equivalent H⁻ per mole |
| pKa (conjugate acid) | ~24 (very weak acid) |
| Water Reaction | Violent exothermic reaction: NaBH₄ + 4H₂O → NaBO₂ + 4H₂↑ |
| Methanol Reaction | NaBH₄ + 4CH₃OH → NaB(OCH₃)₄ + 4H₂↑ |
| Acid Reaction | Rapid decomposition: NaBH₄ + 4HCl → NaCl + BCl₃ + 4H₂↑ |
| Oxidation | Gradually oxidized by air to sodium borate |
| Thermal Decomposition | >250°C: 2NaBH₄ → 2NaH + B₂H₆ (diborane) |
| Incompatible Materials | Water, acids, alcohols, oxidizers, moisture, CO₂, transition metal salts |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Does not occur |
Hydrolysis with Water (Hazardous):
NaBH₄ + 4H₂O → NaBO₂ + 4H₂↑ (Exothermic, flammable gas)
Hydrolysis with Acid:
NaBH₄ + 4HCl → NaCl + BCl₃ + 4H₂↑
Reduction of Ketones (Typical Application):
R₂C=O + NaBH₄ + 4H₂O → R₂CH-OH + NaBO₂ + 4H₂↑
Reaction with Alcohols:
NaBH₄ + 4CH₃OH → NaB(OCH₃)₄ + 4H₂↑
Thermal Decomposition:
2NaBH₄ → 2NaH + B₂H₆↑ (at >250°C)
2NaH → 2Na + H₂↑ (at >400°C)
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reaction | Sodium hydride (NaH) reacts with trimethyl borate: 4NaH + B(OCH₃)₃ → NaBH₄ + 3NaOCH₃ |
| 2 | Separation | Sodium methoxide (NaOCH₃) is separated by filtration |
| 3 | Purification | Crude NaBH₄ is dissolved in isopropylamine or liquid ammonia |
| 4 | Crystallization | Pure NaBH₄ crystals are precipitated |
| 5 | Drying | Dried under vacuum at 50-60°C |
| 6 | Milling | Milled to desired particle size (powder or granules) |
| 7 | Packaging | Packaged under inert atmosphere (N₂ or Ar) |
Alternative Method (Schlesinger Process):
NaBH₄ + BF₃ → NaBF₄ + B₂H₆ → NaBH₄ (via NaH + B₂H₆)
| Form | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Powder (Fine) | White powder, particle size ≤ 75 µm | Organic synthesis, pharmaceutical synthesis |
| Granular (Coarse) | White granules, particle size 0.5-2.0 mm | Safer handling, easier dosing |
| Pellets (Tablets) | Compressed cylindrical form | Controlled release, special applications |
| Solution (12% NaOH stabilized) | Stabilized aqueous alkaline solution | Industrial continuous processes |
| High Purity Grade (≥99.5%) | Ultra-pure for sensitive reactions | API synthesis, electronics |
| Technical Grade (≥98%) | Standard industrial grade | Bulk chemical synthesis, paper bleaching |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduction Mechanism | Hydride ion (H⁻) transfer to electrophilic centers (C=O, C=N, etc.) |
| Selectivity | Chemoselective: reduces aldehydes, ketones, acid chlorides; does not reduce isolated C=C bonds |
| Reaction Conditions | Mild conditions (0-25°C) in protic or aprotic solvents |
| Solvent Compatibility | Alcohols (methanol, ethanol), THF, diglyme, DMF (carefully) |
| Water Sensitivity | Rapid hydrolysis; must be used under anhydrous conditions |
| Stoichiometry | 1 mole NaBH₄ reduces 4 moles of ketones (theoretically) |
| Temperature Effect | Reaction rate increases with temperature; higher temperatures may cause decomposition |
| pH Effect | Stable in alkaline solutions; rapid decomposition in acidic media |
| Catalytic Enhancement | Transition metal catalysts (CoCl₂, NiCl₂) enhance reduction of less reactive substrates |
| Sector / Application | Usage | Typical Dosage / Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Synthesis | Reduction of ketones, aldehydes, imines to alcohols and amines | Stoichiometric (0.25-1.0 eq) |
| Organic Synthesis (Fine Chemicals) | Reduction of nitro compounds, nitriles, acid chlorides | Stoichiometric |
| Pulp and Paper Industry | Bleaching and brightness improvement; lignin reduction | 0.5-2.0 kg/ton pulp |
| Metal Recovery (Hydrometallurgy) | Precipitation of metals from solutions; gold recovery | Process specific |
| Polymer Industry | Polyalcohol production, polyurethane intermediates | Process specific |
| Wastewater Treatment | Reduction of heavy metal ions, removal of formaldehyde | Process specific |
| Fuel Cell Technology | Hydrogen storage and generation | Process specific |
| Textile Industry | Vat dye reduction | Process specific |
| Analytical Chemistry | Reducing agent for analytical determinations | Laboratory scale |
| Polymerization Catalyst | Ziegler-Natta catalyst component | Catalyst formulation |
| Substance / Medium | Compatibility | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Water (H₂O) | INCOMPATIBLE | Violent exothermic reaction; releases flammable H₂ |
| Acids (HCl, H₂SO₄) | INCOMPATIBLE | Rapid decomposition; releases H₂ and toxic fumes |
| Alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol) | LIMITED | Reaction occurs; slower than water, use with caution |
| Aldehydes / Ketones | REACTIVE | Desired reduction reaction; controlled addition required |
| Oxidizers (H₂O₂, HNO₃) | INCOMPATIBLE | Violent oxidation; fire/explosion hazard |
| Transition Metal Salts (Cu, Ni, Co) | INCOMPATIBLE | Catalytic decomposition; violent hydrogen release |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | INCOMPATIBLE | Reacts to form sodium formate and borate |
| Moist Air | INCOMPATIBLE | Gradually hydrolyzes; hydrogen release |
| Inert Gases (N₂, Ar) | COMPATIBLE | Storage and handling atmosphere recommended |
| Hydrocarbon Solvents (Hexane, Toluene) | COMPATIBLE | No reaction; limited solubility |
| THF, Diglyme, DMF | COMPATIBLE | Suitable solvent for reductions |
| Glass / Stainless Steel | COMPATIBLE | Suitable for handling equipment |
| PTFE, Polyethylene, Polypropylene | COMPATIBLE | Suitable for packaging and containers |
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder or granules | Visual |
| Assay (NaBH₄) | ≥ 98.0% | Iodometric Titration |
| Hydride Content | ≥ 98.5% | Iodometric Titration |
| Sodium Borate (NaBO₂) | ≤ 1.0% | Titrimetric |
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) | ≤ 0.5% | Titrimetric |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | ≤ 0.3% | Titrimetric |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.5% | Karl Fischer Titration |
| Particle Size (Powder) | ≤ 75 µm (90% min) | Sieve Analysis |
| Bulk Density | 0.35 – 0.45 g/cm³ | ASTM D6393 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.001% | ICP-OES / AAS |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.002% | ICP-OES / AAS |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | 18 – 50 mg/kg (highly toxic) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit) | > 2000 mg/kg |
| Inhalation Toxicity (LC50, Rat) | > 2.0 mg/L (4 hours) |
| Skin Irritation | Irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Severe irritant |
| Sensitization | May cause sensitization |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Negative in standard tests |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Target Organs | Liver, kidneys, central nervous system |
| Toxicokinetics | Absorbed; metabolized to borate; excreted in urine |
Highly Toxic: Sodium borohydride is toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.
Hydrogen Release: Contact with water or acids produces flammable hydrogen gas; can create explosive atmospheres.
Hydrolysis Products: Sodium borate (borax) is moderately toxic; chronic exposure may affect reproductive system.
GHS Classification (compliant with 1272/2008/EC):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | Category 3 | H301 |
| Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) | Category 3 | H331 |
| Water-Reactive Substances | Category 1 | H260 |
| Skin Corrosion/Irritation | Category 1C | H314 |
| Eye Damage | Category 1 | H318 |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT-SE) | Category 3 | H335 |
| Aquatic Toxicity (Chronic) | Category 3 | H412 |
Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Pictograms:
| Pictogram | Symbol |
|---|---|
| GHS02 | Flame (Flammable) |
| GHS05 | Corrosion (Corrosive) |
| GHS06 | Skull and Crossbones (Toxic) |
| GHS09 | Environment (Environmental Hazard) |
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H260 | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P223 | Do not allow contact with water |
| P231+P232 | Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture |
| P260 | Do not breathe dust/fume |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P301+P310 | IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor |
| P303+P361+P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present |
| P370+P378 | In case of fire: Use dry sand or dry powder extinguisher. DO NOT use water |
| P402+P404 | Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container to licensed waste disposal facility |
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get immediate medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get immediate medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get immediate medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give water to drink (do not attempt to neutralize). Get immediate medical attention. NEVER give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. |
No specific antidote; treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Monitoring: Monitor hydrogen gas generation if gastric decontamination is attempted.
Boron Levels: Can be measured in blood/serum; levels > 2 mg/L indicate significant exposure.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Spontaneously flammable; reacts violently with water releasing hydrogen (explosive gas) |
| Explosion Hazard | May form explosive hydrogen-air mixtures |
| Autoignition Temperature | ~220°C (in moist air) |
| Decomposition Products | Hydrogen gas (H₂), boron oxides (B₂O₃), sodium oxides (Na₂O) |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Dry sand, dry chemical powder, graphite powder, class D extinguisher |
| NEVER USE | WATER, FOAM, CO₂, HALON (reacts violently) |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), flame-resistant protective clothing, full chemical protective suit |
| Special Precautions | Evacuate area; remove all ignition sources; isolate fire area; do not use water under any circumstances |
| Firefighter Warnings | Do not attempt to extinguish with water; allow to burn under controlled conditions if safe; use dry sand to contain |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 15 – 25°C (cool, dry) |
| Storage Atmosphere | Inert atmosphere (N₂ or Ar) mandatory |
| Container Material | Stainless steel, HDPE, PTFE-lined containers |
| Container Closure | Airtight, moisture-proof, gas-tight |
| Ventilation | Explosion-proof ventilation system |
| Do Not Store With | Water, acids, alcohols, oxidizers, transition metal salts |
| Maximum Stack Height | 5 pallets (or as per safety regulations) |
| Shelf Life (Under Inert Atmosphere) | 24 months (technical grade) |
| Shelf Life (Stabilized Solution) | 12 months (at 15-25°C) |
| Stability Note | Store in original sealed packaging; do not return used product to original container; use first-in-first-out rotation |
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE Bottle | 1 kg, 5 kg | HDPE | Inert gas overlay, sealed |
| PE Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE | Inert gas overlay, double sealed |
| Steel Drum (lined) | 100 kg, 200 kg | Stainless steel / lined steel | Nitrogen purge, hermetically sealed |
| FIBC / Big-Bag | 500 kg, 1000 kg | PP with moisture barrier | Inert gas purge, moisture-proof liner |
| Stabilized Solution (12% NaOH) | 200 L, 1000 L | HDPE / Stainless steel | Alkaline solution, sealed container |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | UN 1426 (Sodium Borohydride) |
| UN Proper Shipping Name | SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE |
| Hazard Class | 4.3 (Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases) |
| Subsidiary Hazard | 8 (Corrosive) |
| Packing Group | I (High hazard) |
| ADR/RID | UN 1426, 4.3 (8), PG I |
| IMDG Code | UN 1426, 4.3 (8), PG I |
| IATA (Air) | UN 1426, 4.3 (8), PG I |
| EmS (Emergency Schedule) | F-G, S-N |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Special Provisions | Transport under inert atmosphere; keep dry; protect from heat and direct sunlight |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient; avoid moisture, heat, shock |
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | REACH registered; subject to controls |
| USA (EPA/TSCA) | Listed; subject to reporting requirements |
| Turkey | Industrial chemical; subject to chemical registration and safety regulations |
| Food / Cosmetics | NOT FOR USE – prohibited due to toxicity |
| Export Controls | Subject to dual-use regulations in some countries |
| Environmental Regulations | Water hazard class (WGK): WGK 2 (Germany) |
| Sector | Compliance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Synthesis | COMPATIBLE | Primary reducing agent for API synthesis |
| Fine Chemicals | COMPATIBLE | Preferred for selective reductions |
| Pulp and Paper | COMPATIBLE | Bleaching and brightness agent |
| Metal Recovery | COMPATIBLE | Precious metal precipitation |
| Fuel Cells | COMPATIBLE | Hydrogen storage material |
| Textile | COMPATIBLE | Vat dye reduction |
| Food / Cosmetics | NOT FOR USE | Prohibited due to toxicity |
| Analytical Chemistry | COMPATIBLE | Laboratory reducing agent |
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Sodyum Borohidrür, Sodyum Tetrahidroborat |
| English Names | Sodium Borohydride, Sodium Tetrahydroborate, Sodium Tetrahydridoborate |
| Trade Names | SBH, Sodyum Borhidrür, Borol, Hydrobrite, VenPure |
| Abbreviations | NaBH₄, SBH |
| CAS Number | 16940-66-2 |
| EC Number | 241-004-4 |
| Molecular Formula | NaBH₄ |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Sodium Borohydride |
| CAS Number | 16940-66-2 |
| Molecular Formula | NaBH₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 37.83 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder/granules |
| Purity (Technical Grade) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Density | ~1.07 g/cm³ |
| Decomposition Temperature | >250°C |
| Water Reaction | Violent; releases flammable hydrogen |
| Solubility | Reacts with water; soluble in alcohols |
| Primary Use | Strong reducing agent in organic synthesis |
| UN Number | UN 1426 |
| Hazard Class | 4.3 (8) |
| Packing Group | I |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER |
| GHS Pictograms | GHS02, GHS05, GHS06, GHS09 |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (dry, inert atmosphere) |
| Storage | Cool, dry, inert atmosphere; absolutely moisture-free |
Water Reaction (Most Critical): Sodium borohydride reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas which is highly flammable and explosive. NEVER use water for extinguishing fires involving this material.
Hydrogen Explosion Risk: Contact with moisture or acids generates hydrogen gas; explosive mixtures can form in confined spaces.
**Toxic: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Handle only in properly ventilated areas with appropriate PPE.
Corrosive: Causes severe burns to skin and eyes. Immediate first aid required upon contact.
Air Sensitivity: Moisture in air causes gradual decomposition; store under inert atmosphere.
Incompatibility: Absolutely incompatible with water, acids, oxidizers, and transition metal compounds.
Storage: Store in original sealed container under nitrogen or argon at 15-25°C in a dry, well-ventilated, fireproof area. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials.
Handling: Always handle under inert atmosphere (N₂ or Ar). Use only dry equipment and containers. Avoid generating dust.
Reaction Setup: Add sodium borohydride slowly to solvents/reagents; never add water or acidic solutions to sodium borohydride. Use controlled addition to manage exothermic reactions.
Workup: After reaction, carefully quench excess NaBH₄ with a safe procedure (e.g., slow addition of acetone or methanol under inert atmosphere and cooling, followed by cautious addition of water).
Personal Protective Equipment: Full PPE required: Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing, and respiratory protection (dust mask with P100 filter or supplied-air respirator).
Ventilation: Use only in fume hoods or well-ventilated areas with explosion-proof equipment.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of as hazardous waste. Inactivate waste by careful controlled hydrolysis before disposal (authorized personnel only). Neutralize with alkaline hypochlorite solution.
Fire Response: DO NOT use water, foam, or CO₂. Use dry sand, dry chemical powder, or class D extinguisher. Evacuate area.
Spill Response: Evacuate area. Do not allow contact with water. Use dry sand or inert absorbent. Collect in dry, sealed containers for disposal. Avoid dust formation.
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith; however, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.