Diborane is a colorless gas at room temperature with a repulsive, sweet odor. It mixes well with air and easily forms explosive mixtures. Diborane will ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. The chemical formula is B2H6.
The toxic effects of diborane are primarily due to its irritant properties. Short-term exposure to diborane can cause a sensation of tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing. These signs and symptoms can occur immediately or be delayed for up to 24 hours. Skin and eye irritation can also occur. Studies in animals have shown that diborane causes the same type of effects observed in humans.
People exposed for a long time to low amounts of diborane have experienced respiratory irritation, seizures, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, and occasional transient tremors.
Diborane is heavier than air; exposure to concentrations exceeding the PEL may result in skin, respiratory, and eye irritation in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or low-lying areas.
Diborane is produced by the reaction of lithium hydride with boron trifluoride catalyzed by ether at 25ºC. Diborane is used in rocket propellants and as a reducing agent, as a rubbervulcanizer, as a catalyst for olefin polymerization, as a flame-speed accelerator, and as a doping agent in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
Diborane is incompatible with oxidizers, aluminum, halogens, and water.
Diborane is slightly soluble in water, but it will decompose rapidly when in contact with water producing boric acid and hydrogen gas which is very flammable.
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