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Borane

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Identification
Molecular formula
BH3
CAS number
13283-31-3
IUPAC name
borane
State
State
Borane is a gaseous compound at room temperature. However, due to its instability, it is typically not found in a free state but rather as part of more stable boranes or as complex adducts.
Melting point (Celsius)
-164.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
108.60
Boiling point (Celsius)
-92.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
180.70
General information
Molecular weight
13.83g/mol
Molar mass
13.8340g/mol
Density
0.7809g/cm3
Appearence

Borane is a colorless gas that exists primarily in the form of its diborane B2H6. It is known for being highly reactive and pyrophoric, which means it can ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air. Its appearance in the pure form is rarely encountered outside of laboratory settings due to its instability and tendency to form adducts.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Borane (BH3)

Borane (BH3) exhibits fascinating solubility characteristics that are essential for its reactivity and applications. As a gaseous compound at room temperature, its solubility can vary significantly based on the medium:

  • In Organic Solvents: Borane is highly soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as ether and hydrocarbons. This high solubility enhances its utility in chemical synthesis.
  • In Water: The solubility of borane in water is limited. When borane interacts with water, it typically reacts to form boric acid (H3BO3), which is more soluble than borane itself.
  • In Alcohols: Borane is also known to dissolve in alcohols, forming stable solutions that can act as reducing agents.

Moreover, this compound's solubility can greatly be influenced by factors such as temperature and concentration. As temperature increases, the solubility of borane in various solvents can also change, which is critical to consider during reactions.

In summary, while borane (BH3) is predominantly gaseous, its solubility in applicable solvents plays a pivotal role in organic chemistry. Understanding its solubility behavior enables chemists to harness its properties effectively:

  1. Utilization in hydroboration reactions
  2. Role in the synthesis of boron-based materials
  3. Applications in various catalytic processes

In essence, the solubility properties of borane make it not just a simple molecule but a pivotal component in versatile chemical applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Borane (BH3)

Borane, commonly represented by the formula BH3, is a fascinating compound in the world of chemistry, especially known for its unique properties and diverse applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of borane:

  • Lewis Acid Characteristics: Borane acts as a strong Lewis acid. It readily accepts electron pairs, making it an important reagent in various organic reactions, particularly in the synthesis of organoboranes.
  • Reactivity: Borane is highly reactive with both water and oxygen, which leads to the formation of boric acid and other boron-containing compounds. This reactivity makes it essential for various chemical processes.
  • Hydride Donor: As a hydride donor, borane can be utilized in reducing reactions, aiding in the conversion of certain functional groups to corresponding alcohols or alkanes.
  • Potential Fuel: Owing to its energy content, borane has been considered as a potential fuel source in rocket propulsion systems, providing a high energy-to-weight ratio.
  • Applications in Polymer Science: Boranes play a vital role in the production of polymers and materials science, where they are used to enhance the properties of various polymer matrices.

In the words of chemist Linus Pauling, “The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” Borane exemplifies this philosophy with its multifaceted nature, inspiring research and innovation in various fields. As scientists continue to explore its properties, borane serves as a bridge between simple molecular structures and complex chemical reactions.

Overall, borane stands out as a remarkable compound, demonstrating the intricate relationship between structure and reactivity in the chemistry of boron.

Synonyms
Borane
boron trihydride
13283-31-3
Borane (BH3)
Borine
Boron hydride
Boron hydride(BH3)
trihydridoboron
Borane(3)
CHEBI:30149
[BH3]
(BH3)
BH3
Boranes
InChI=1/BH3/h1H3
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