Process Safety Considerations for the Use of 1 M Borane Tetrahydrofuran Complex Under General Purpose Plant Conditions

The safe handling of 1M borane tetrahydrofuran complex (BTHF) in the context of storage and shipping has been well-characterized in literature. However, its safe use within the context of general purpose plant conditions is not discussed in detail. This article evaluated the thermal stability of BTHF within the context of general purpose plant equipment at near reflux and explored the diborane evolution–BTHF temperature relationship utilizing reaction calorimetry and headspace mass spectroscopy. In addition, a review of the autoignition temperature (AIT) for diborane reported in literature was performed, and new data were generated using the current ASTM (E659) standard. The testing showed that the AIT of pure diborane in air is 136–139 °C. An enhanced basis of safe operation for using BTHF in general purpose plant was established.