Standard Operating Procedure
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Read the EH&S Standard Operating Procedures Fact Sheet before filling out this form.
Print out the completed form and keep a readily accessible hard copy in the lab (also
keeping an electronic copy is highly recommended).
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Date:
November 19, 2010
SOP Title:
Boron Tribromide
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Room and Building:
841A Latimer Hall
Lab Phone Number:
(510) 643-2485
Section 1 – Process
Section 2 – Hazardous Chemicals
Boron tribromide is highly volatile and moisture sensitive, forming boric acid and hydrogen bromide
when exposed to water. Upon exposure to air, it fumes. It is generally sold as a solution in either
dichloromethane, heptane or hexane.
Section 3 – Potential Hazards
Boron tribromide is irritating to skin (corrosive, permeator), eyes and respiratory tract. Prolonged
exposure with spray mist may produce chronic or severe eye, skin and/or respiratory irritation.
Section 4 – Approvals Required
Use of boron tribromide requires training and the approval of the appropriate lab member.
Section 5 – Designated Area
Boron tribromide should only be used in a fume hood.
Section 6 – Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements
Clear all areas where the reagent will be opened prior to use. All glassware and solvents should be
dried prior to treatment with boron tribromide. Flame-dried glassware which has been cooled under an
inert atmosphere just before use is ideal. Upon charging a dry flask with dry reagents/solvents and
reaching the desired temperature, boron tribromide can be added. Boron tribromide can be stored
either at room temperature or under refrigeration. Once the bottle is opened, the desired amount of
reagent should be removed as quickly as possible, to minimize the amount of fumes released from the
bottle, as well as exposure of the reagent to air. The reagent should be stored under nitrogen or argon.
Once the desired amount of boron tribromide has been removed, and the reagent bottle flushed with
nitrogen or argon, immediately replace the cap to the bottle. Wrap the outside with parafilm, as well as
a piece of tape to prevent moisture from getting into the bottle. Store the reagent bottle inside a
desiccator.
Section 7 – Personal Protective Equipment
Wear a laboratory coat made of flame-retardant material or cotton. Wear flame-resistant gloves over
the top of chemically resistant gloves, and safety glasses.
Section 8 – Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Work inside the hood. Keep the hood sash as low as possible to prevent spills/splashes outside the
hood.
Section 9 – Spill and Accident Procedures
In case of a small spill, absorb with an inert material (e.g., dry earth, sand) and dispose of the spilled
material in an appropriate waste disposal. In case of a large spill, stop leak if without risk. Absorb
spilled material with an inert material. Use water spray curtain to divert the vapors. Prevent entry into
sewers or confined areas. Call EHS&S for assistance on disposal.
In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Section 10 – Waste Disposal
Prior to disposal, fully quench all reagent by adding it slowly to a pre-cooled, buffered aqueous
solution.
Section 11 - Decontamination
Remove all contaminated clothing, wash all contaminated skin with copious amounts of water.
Section 12 – Process Steps
Process Steps
Safety Measures
Training Documentation
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