Skin contact with boron trifluoride

Boron trifluoride should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C, supplemented in the case of work with gaseous boron trifluoride with the procedures of Chapter 5.H. All work with boron trifluoride should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and splash goggles and impermeable gloves should be worn to prevent eye and skin contact. Cylinders of boron trifluoride should be stored in locations appropriate for compressed gas storage and separated from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and other incompatible substances. Solutions of boron trifluoride should be stored in tightly sealed containers under an inert atmosphere in secondary containers. 

Ethereal fluoboric acid can be prepared as follows 19 ml. (19 g., 0.95 mole) of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid, b.p. 19.4° (760 mm.) [Caution Hydrofluoric acid in contact with the skin produces extremely painful hums. It is therefore necessary to use eoery precaution to protect exposed parts of the body, especially the hands and eyes. Cf. Org. Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 2, 295 1943), Note 3 Org. Syntheses, 46, 10 1966), Note 1 is added in small portions with shaking or stirring to 126 ml. (142 g., 1.00 mole) of distilled boron trifluoride etherate, b.p. 126° (760 mm.), contained in a 500-ml. polyethylene flask that is cooled in an ice bath to 0°. The concentration of the resulting yellowish solution of fluoboric acid in ether is about 52% by weight ca. 6.6 moles per 1.). 

Caution. Boron trifluoride is very corrosive. Inhalation of the vapors and contact with the skin is very dangerous. It should be handled only in a well-ventilated hood. 

Toxicity Boron trifluoride (and organic complexes such as Bp3-etherate) are extremely corrosive substances that are destructive to all tissues of the body. Upon contact with moisture in the skin and other tissues, these compounds react to form hydrofluoric acid and fluoroboiic acid, which cause severe burns. Boron trifluoride gas is extremely irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation of boron trifluoride can cause severe irritation and burning of the respiratory tract, difficulty breathing, and possibly respiratory failure and death. Exposure of the eyes to BF3 can cause severe burns and blindness. This compound is not considered to have adequate warning properties. Boron trifluoride has not been found to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans. Chronic exposure to boron trifluoride gas can cause respiratory irritation and damage. 

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If boron trifluoride is inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once. If this eompound is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. 

The irritating sensation and white fumes produced by boron trifluoride in air give easily noticed warning of the escape of even small amounts of the gas moreover, personnel do not get used to its odor and tend to seek fresh air if traces of it are inhaled. High concentrations are not only injurious if inhaled, but when in contact with the skin can cause dehydrating bums similar to those inflicted by acids. Contact of the vapor or liquid with the eyes should also be avoided. In case of bums or other serious exposures, call a physician immediately and administer first aid. 

Skin contact Washing has been shown to be effective for boron trifluoride skin bums when continued for 10-30 minutes, possibly because of the associated decrease in skin temperature. After the initial washing, affected areas should be treated with ice water poultices for 30 minutes. 

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