Boron hydride (Borane)
Boron can form many different types of hydrides. One of them is borane (BH3). They react violently with air and is easily oxidized. Borane occurs as a gaseous substance, and can form B2H6 by two borane molecules combined with each other. Borane is not a stable compound because it does not follow a complete octet rule since it has six valence electrons. Synthesizing organic compounds require boron hydrides, therefore they are significant in our daily lives.
Borane, BH3 is also used for the conversion of carboxylic acids in primary alcohols. The reaction of an acid with borane occurs rapidly at room temperature, and often prefer this LiAlH4 reduction procedure due to its relative safety, ease and specificity. Borane carboxylic acids react faster than any other functional group, thereby enabling selective transformations as shown with p-nitrofenilacetico acids. If you tried the reduction of this acid with LiAlH4 would reduce both the nitro group as the carboxyl group.
Basic properties:
Properties |
Value |
chemical formula |
BH3 |
molecular weight |
13.8348 g/mol |
phase |
liquid (at STP) |
melting point |
-60°C |
boiling point |
41°C |
density |
2466 kg m-3 |