☣️ UN 2965 • CLASS 4
Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 2965
Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG: Guide 139 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherateBF3 dimethyl etherateBoron trifluoride-dimethyl ether complexBF3-DMEDimethyl etherate of boron trifluoride |
| CAS Number | 353-42-4 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Fuming liquid that reacts with moisture in air. |
| Flash Point | -14C (7F) |
| Boiling Point | 126-127C (259-261F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with water producing toxic hydrogen fluoride gas and flammable vapors; may ignite spontaneously |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand; do not use water or foam directly on liquid |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with full-face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; butyl rubber gloves recommended for HF protection |
| Isolation | ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation 1600m downwind |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 2965 — Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2965
Product: Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level B minimum with full-face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; butyl rubber gloves recommended for HF protection
ISOLATION: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2965 — Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Fuming liquid that reacts with moisture in air.
Water Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with water producing toxic hydrogen fluoride gas and flammable vapors; may ignite spontaneously
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand; do not use water or foam directly on liquid
PPE: Level B minimum with full-face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; butyl rubber gloves recommended for HF protection
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2965 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2965 Boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate Cls4 ERG139 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2965SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2965
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FAQ
Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with full-face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; butyl rubber gloves recommended for HF protection
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 139 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.