UN 1742 — Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1742 is Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid, a toxic corrosive boron trifluoride acid complex assigned to ERG Guide 157. Water or moist air can release heat plus HF-type and acid fumes.
Hazard overview: UN 1742 presents corrosive liquid, toxic fluoride fume and water-reactivity hazards. Vapors may settle low, and runoff can spread acidic fluoride contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1742 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 157. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1742 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure routes, water or oxidizer incompatibility where applicable, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 157, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by concentration, formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1742 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1742
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE boron trifluoride acid complex; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe injury.
- Reacts with water or moist air, releasing heat and toxic/corrosive hydrogen fluoride and acid fumes.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Combustibility may vary by acid complex, but corrosive fuming and water reaction dominate emergency risk.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread acidic fluoride contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture.
| Also known as | Boron trifluoride acetateBF3 acetic acid complexTrifluoroborane acetic acid complexBoron fluoride acetic acid adduct |
| CAS Number | 373-61-5 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture. |
| Flash Point | 40C (104F) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 120-125C (248-257F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (vapors sink and accumulate in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid fumes; generates heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1742
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protective clothing selected by hazmat specialists. Level A may be needed for close entry, unknown concentrations or liquefied gas/vapor contact because toxic, corrosive and heavy-vapor hazards may be severe.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1742 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust, mist or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, gas, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 157, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1742 — Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, lUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.