2 ms·
As one of the compounds that have a NFPA 704 (fire diamond) rating of 4 for every category, it is naturally extremely dangerous. Above 30 °C it can form explosi
by keepamovin 3y ago
As one of the compounds that have a NFPA 704 (fire diamond) rating of 4 for every category, it is naturally extremely dangerous. Above 30 °C it can form explosive concentration of vapors with air. Its vapors are heavier than air. It is pyrophoric—can ignite spontaneously in contact with air, when even slightly impure. It can also readily form shock sensitive explosive compounds, and reacts violently with some fire suppressants, notably with halocarbons and water. It is highly toxic and symptoms of lower-level exposure may occur with up to 48 hours delay. Its acute toxicity is comparable to some nerve agents.
Friendly
- carterschonwald 3y agoFluorine gas seems safer by comparison
- keepamovin 3y agoFriendly fluorine and its positively sociable cousin hydrofluoric acid, the lifes of the party compared to pentaborane. It's like it's asking to be banned.
- perihelions 3y ago¿Porque no los dos? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_rocket_propellant#Bipropellants https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_rocket_propellant#Bipro... edit: I found people that tested the pentaborane/fluorine combination specifically, https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/trecms/pdf/AD0270941.pdf https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/trecms/pdf/AD0270941.pdf ("EXPLORATORY RESEARCH ON HIGH ENERGY PROPELLANT SYSTEMS" (1961)) - "An instantaneous hypergolic ignition occurred with a very long brilliant greenish-white flame and clouds of dense white smoke. Approximately four seconds after the start of the run, a leak developed in the fluorine valve stem. The lowered pressure in the fluorine line caused a flashback and the fluorine line ruptured. The very fuel rich combustion and decomposition of pentaborane which then resulted quickly plugged up the injector holes with the thick polymerized products of decomposition of pentaborane."