☣️ UN 1742 • CLASS 8

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.

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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.

Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, also known as Boron trifluoride acetate or Trifluoroborane acetic acid complex, is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. It is classified as a DOT Class 8 substance and is used in various industrial applications. First responders may encounter boron trifluoride acetic acid complex during transportation accidents or industrial fires. The scale of production and transport of boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is significant, making it a potential hazard for emergency responders. The substance is toxic and corrosive, and its reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive, or flammable gases. It is essential for first responders to be aware of the hazards associated with boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and take necessary precautions during emergency response situations.

Hazard overview: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is a toxic and corrosive substance that can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. The substance reacts with water or moist air, releasing toxic, corrosive, or flammable gases. When heated, the substance may generate much heat, increasing the concentration of fumes in the air. The flash point of boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is 40°C (104°F), and the boiling point is approximately 120-125°C (248-257°F) with decomposition. The vapor density of the substance is heavier than air, and the substance can release toxic and corrosive gases in the event of a fire. The worst-case scenario for first responders is a large-scale fire or explosion, and the substance's reactivity with water can exacerbate the situation.

Response guidance: In the event of a boron trifluoride acetic acid complex spill or leak, first responders should isolate the area 50m in all directions immediately and evacuate 300m downwind if the material is on fire or releasing vapors. The correct suppression agent, such as dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand, should be used. Water-based agents should be avoided due to the substance's violent reaction with water. Decontamination procedures should be followed, and CHEMTREC should be contacted for assistance. It is essential to note that boron trifluoride acetic acid complex reacts with water, releasing toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid fumes, and generates heat. First responders should be aware of this reactivity and take necessary precautions to avoid exacerbating the situation.

Firefighter training notes: First responders should receive training on the hazards associated with boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, including its toxic and corrosive properties. They should be aware of the substance's reactivity with water and the potential for violent reactions. A known tactical error for this chemical class is the use of water-based agents for suppression, which can exacerbate the situation. ICS position needs and mutual aid criteria should be established to ensure a coordinated response. First responders should be competent in the use of PPE and decontamination procedures to ensure a safe and effective response.

Regulatory context: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is classified as a DOT Class 8 substance, and its transportation is regulated by the DOT. The OSHA PEL for boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is not well-established, but the substance is subject to various regulations due to its toxic and corrosive properties.

Storage & handling: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as water and moisture. The temperature limit for storage is 40°C (104°F), and the substance should be kept away from heat sources. The top three incompatible materials for boron trifluoride acetic acid complex are water, moisture, and heat sources. Ventilation standards should be followed to prevent the accumulation of boron trifluoride acetic acid complex vapors.

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UN 1742 Quick Details

UN 1742
Product name: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 157 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 157: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if material is on fire or releasing vapors

Common Hazards of UN 1742

  • TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
  • Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.
  • Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
  • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
  • Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
  • UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above
  • Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. It has a flash point of 40°C (104°F) and a boiling point of approximately 120-125°C (248-257°F) with decomposition. The vapor density of the substance is heavier than air, and the substance fumes in moist air due to its reaction with atmospheric moisture.

Also known asBoron trifluoride acetateBF3 acetic acid complexTrifluoroborane acetic acid complexBoron fluoride acetic acid adduct
CAS Number373-61-5
AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture.
Flash Point40C (104F)
Boiling PointApproximately 120-125C (248-257F) with decomposition
Vapor DensityHeavier than air (vapors sink and accumulate in low areas)
Water ReactivityReacts with water releasing toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid fumes; generates heat
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1742

Extinguishing Media

Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; avoid water-based agents due to violent reaction

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum required; SCBA and full chemical-resistant suit; rubber or neoprene gloves; face shield and eye protection mandatory

The minimum PPE level required for boron trifluoride acetic acid complex response is Level B, which includes an SCBA and a full chemical-resistant suit. Rubber or neoprene gloves, a face shield, and eye protection are also mandatory. The rationale for each item is to prevent skin contact and inhalation of boron trifluoride acetic acid complex vapors, which can cause severe health effects.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 157: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if material is on fire or releasing vapors
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 157).

First Actions for a UN 1742 Incident

  • 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1742 — Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, l
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1742 Product: Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 157 PPE: Level B minimum required; SCBA and full chemical-resistant suit; rubber or neoprene gloves; face shield and eye protection mandatory ISOLATION: ERG 157: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if material is on fire or releasing vapors ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1742 — Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 157 Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture. Water Reactivity: Reacts with water releasing toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid fumes; generates heat Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; avoid water-based agents due to violent reaction PPE: Level B minimum required; SCBA and full chemical-resistant suit; rubber or neoprene gloves; face shield and eye protection mandatory Isolation: ERG 157: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if material is on fire or releasing vapors — Key Hazards — • TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance • Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. • Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. — First Actions — • 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 SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/boron-trifluoride-acetic-acid-un-1742 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1742 Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex, liquid Cls8 ERG157 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/boron-trifluoride-acetic-acid-un-1742SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/boron-trifluoride-acetic-acid-un-1742

Related UN Numbers in Class 8

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1742

No, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is not flammable, but it can release flammable gases when reacting with water or moist air. The flash point of the substance is 40°C (104°F).

The minimum PPE level required is Level B, which includes an SCBA and a full chemical-resistant suit. Rubber or neoprene gloves, a face shield, and eye protection are also mandatory.

Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is toxic and corrosive, and prolonged exposure can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation.

Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. It fumes in moist air due to its reaction with atmospheric moisture.

Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand can be used for suppression. Water-based agents should be avoided due to the substance's violent reaction with water.
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.