DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

Does anyone have any ideas about the following?

A reaction mixture containing L-Selectride (lithium tri-sec butyl
borohydride) was quenched with 2N HCl until the pH of the solution was 1.
 The aqueous solution was then extracted with ethyl acetate to remove what
was thought to be boron side products from the quench.  The ethyl acetate
extraction pulled all of the THF from the aqueous layer. The volume of this
"organic" material was reduced leaving approximately 4 L of a yellow-green
liquid with some yellow foamy solid in the bottom.  The free flowing
material was transferred to another vessel leaving some yellow foamy solid
in the round bottom flask.  This flask was being rinsed with a small
portion of methanol when it began emitting a bit of smoke.  The methanol
addition was stopped and a few seconds later, the flask erupted with a
greenish flame.  The fire was put out immediately and no injuries or
damages were incurred.  We are trying to establish what the liquid may be
as well as the foamy solid.  Does anyone have any experience dealing with
boranes/borane complexes?  Is it possible that the remaining liquid
(insoluble in water with no exotherm) is tri-sec-butylborane?  ( how can
that be since its not reactive with water?)  This liquid is also less dense
than water.

We are trying to determine how to quench this material or how to designate
it for disposal.  We would like to handle this in a safe manner and until
we have an idea about what it may be it poses a large hazard. We have
segregated the material and we are researching the possibilities.  Any help
that can be given based on the description above would be appreciated.

Thank you

Rebecca Schafer
Environmental Affairs Coordinator
Cerilliant Corporation
811 Paloma Drive, Suite A
Round Rock, TX 78664
512-310-5185 (direct)
512-238-9129 (fax)
rebecca_schafer**At_Symbol_Here**cerilliant.com