Silane (SiH₄): Properties, Safety, and Chemical Analogy

Silane is a colorless, highly flammable, and toxic gas with a strong, repulsive odor.

Key Properties and Uses

• Physical State: A colorless, spontaneously flammable gas at room temperature.
• Odor: Has a strong, repulsive, and pungent odor.
• Reactivity: Highly reactive with air and oxidizing agents.

Safety Concerns

• Flammability: It is spontaneously flammable in air and highly reactive.
• Toxicity: Very toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
• Handling Precautions: Requires extreme caution, appropriate safety equipment, proper ventilation, and avoidance of ignition sources, atmospheric oxygen, and moisture.

Chemical Analogy

• Silane (SiH₄) is the silicon analogue of methane (CH₄), belonging to the family of hydrides composed of silicon and hydrogen.