Product Identification

Product Name

Monosodium metaborate

Synonyms

Borosoap
Kodalk
Sodium borate

CAS

7775-19-1

Formula

BNaO2

Molecular Weight

65.8

EINECS

231-891-6

RTECS

ED4640000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide

Merck

12,8785

Beilstein/Gmelin

38326 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White pieces or powder. Odorless.

Solubility in water

260 g/L (20 C)

Melting Point

966

Boiling Point

1400

Vapor Pressure

4E-8 (25 C)

Density

2.464 g/cm3 (20 C)

Heat Of Vaporization

383.9 kJ/mol

Usage

Component of cleansers, photographic applications (as hydrates), fire retardant in sodium chlorate, used as a defoliant.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Activated charcoal: administer charcoal as a slurry (240 ml water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents.

Inhalation

If symptoms develop, move individual away from exposure and into fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Keep person warm and quiet; seek immediate medical attention.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing. Wash exposed area with soap and water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Launder clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Protect from heat, shock and friction. Keep containers closed.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, coma, death.

Skin

The oral mucosa, lips and throat may be red. Erythematous rash with desquamation (cooked lobster syndrome) may develop on the palms, soles, and buttocks. A generalized rash has also been reported.

Eyes

Irritation.

Ingestion

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. The vomitus and feces may be blue-green in color. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can occur.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear goggles or face shield when handling.

Respirators

NIOSH approved dusk mask.

Exposure Effects

Significant ingestions or dermal exposures can be associated with weak, rapid pulse, cyanosis and abnormally low blood pressure. The patient may present with reduced body temperature, elevated body temperature or normal body temperature. Headache, lethargy, restlessness, weakness, CNS irritation, and/or seizures may occur with long term or repeated exposures. There is insufficient information concerning the reproductive effects of borates in humans. Adverse testicular effects and infertility have been reported in animals. <br>There have been limited animal studies which suggest decreased ovulation, fetotoxicity and developmental defects may occur with very high exposure levels. Maternal toxicity was present in some studies.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use agent most appropriate to extinguish fire.

Fire Potential

Nonflammable tetrahydrate

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Wear protective equipment. Sweep up and place in approved containers.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable on storage.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents.

Decomposition

None reported.