Dilithium tetraborate

Explosiveness

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

explosive properties of explosives

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

14 September 2017 – 04 January 2018

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method A.14 (Explosive properties)

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Key result

Parameter:

other: Explosiveness

Remarks on result:

other: theoretical assessment conducted.

Remarks:

No groups identified associated with explosive properties.

It states in the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria that explosive properties are associated with the presence of certain chemical groups in a molecule which can react to produce very rapid increases in temperature or pressure. A screening procedure was therefore be used to identify the presence of such reactive groups and the potential for energy release in dilithium tetraborate.

Explosives testing need not be applied where:

(a) there are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecule. Examples of explosive groups are given in Table 1.

(b) the substance contains chemical groups associated with explosive properties which include oxygen and the calculated oxygen balance is less than -200.

(c) the organic substance or a homogeneous mixture of organic substances contain chemical groups associated with explosive properties but the exothermic decomposition energy is less than 500 J.g-1 and the onset of exothermic decomposition is below 500°C. The exothermic decomposition energy may be determined using a suitable calorimetric technique.

Table 1: Examples of Functional Groups Indicating Explosive Properties in Organic Materials

Structural Feature	Features
C-C unsaturation	Acetylenes, acetylides, 1,2-dienes
C-Metal, N-metal	Grignard reagents, organolithium compounds
Contiguous nitrogen atoms	Azides, aliphatic azo compounds, diazonium salts, hydrazines, sulphonylhydrazides
Contiguous oxygen atoms	Peroxides, ozonides
N-O	Hydroxylamines, nitrates, nitro compounds, nitroso compounds, N-oxides, 1,2-oxazoles
N-Halogen	Chloramines, fluoramines
O-Halogen	Chlorates, perchlorates, iodosyl compounds

Examination of the structural formula for the sample indicated that;

(i) There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties (Table 1).

(ii) The sample is inorganic and the oxygen balance is therefore not applicable.

Based on this combination of factors, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the material will not exhibit explosive properties. No further testing according to EU method A14 needs to be conducted.

Interpretation of results:

GHS criteria not met

Conclusions:

Examination of the structural formula for the sample indicated that there are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties. In addition, the sample is inorganic and the oxygen balance is therefore not applicable. Based on this combination of factors, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the material will not exhibit explosive properties.

Executive summary:

According to the OECD testing methods publication, test A14 need not be carried out when examination of the structural formula establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the substance has no explosive properties. Examination of the structural formula for the sample indicated that there are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties.  In addition, the sample is inorganic and the oxygen balance is therefore not applicable. Based on this combination of factors, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the material will not exhibit explosive properties.

Description of key information

Examination of the structural formula for the sample indicated that there are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties. In addition, the sample is inorganic and the oxygen balance is therefore not applicable. Based on this combination of factors, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the material will not exhibit explosive properties.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Explosiveness:

non explosive

Justification for classification or non-classification

Examination of the structural formula for the sample indicated that there are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties. In addition, the sample is inorganic and the oxygen balance is therefore not applicable. Based on this combination of factors, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the material will not exhibit explosive properties. No classification is therefore required.