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Sodium borohydride

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaBH4
CAS number
16940-66-2
IUPAC name
sodium;boranuide
State
State

At room temperature, sodium borohydride is a solid. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it needs to be carefully handled and stored under dry conditions to maintain its integrity and prevent degradation.

Melting point (Celsius)
275.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
548.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
400.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
673.15
General information
Molecular weight
37.83g/mol
Molar mass
37.8330g/mol
Density
1.0746g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium borohydride typically appears as a white to grayish crystalline powder. It is odorless and can clump when exposed to dry air over time due to the absorption of moisture. The compound is often provided in airtight containers to prevent it from reacting with atmospheric moisture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Boranide

Sodium boranide (NaBH4), commonly known as sodium borohydride, exhibits notable solubility characteristics that make it a versatile compound in various applications.

Solubility in Water

Sodium boranide is highly soluble in water, displaying a solubility of approximately 10 g/100 mL at room temperature. This property is largely due to the ionic nature of the compound, leading to favorable interactions with water molecules.

Solvents and Environmental Considerations

In addition to its solubility in water, sodium boranide demonstrates varying solubility in organic solvents:

  • Soluble in alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol.
  • Slightly soluble in ethers.
  • Insoluble in nonpolar solvents like hydrocarbons.

Factors Affecting Solubility

Several factors can influence the solubility of sodium boranide, including:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature often enhances solubility.
  • pH levels: The solubility may change in different pH conditions.
  • Concentration of ions: Presence of other ions can impact solubility behavior.

Overall, the solubility of sodium boranide plays a crucial role in its reactivity and application in chemical synthesis, particularly in reducing reactions. As one might say, it is a "gateway" to various insightful chemical transformations under the right conditions!

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Boranide

Sodium boranide, a fascinating compound, is often overlooked in the realm of essential chemical substances, yet it offers a wealth of biological and industrial significance. Here are some intriguing facts:

  • Basic Composition: Sodium boranide is composed of sodium and boron, two elements known for their unique properties. Sodium is a vital element in many biological processes, while boron is crucial for plant growth.
  • Potential in Energy Storage: One of the most promising applications of sodium boranide is in the field of energy storage. Its ability to release hydrogen gas upon reacting with water makes it a candidate for clean fuel technologies.
  • Applications in Chemistry: Sodium boranide is utilized as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions. This function is crucial in organic synthesis, making it a valuable tool for chemists.
  • Role in Boron Chemistry: As a member of the boron compound family, sodium boranide plays a key role in studying the chemistry of boron, which has applications in materials science and medicinal chemistry.
  • Safety and Handling: Despite its usefulness, handling sodium boranide requires caution. Strongly alkaline, it can pose hazards if not dealt with properly. Safety protocols are essential when working in a lab setting.

In conclusion, sodium boranide might not be the most popular compound in the educational curriculum of chemistry, but its unique properties and potential applications in various fields highlight the importance of studying lesser-known chemical substances. As one scientist aptly put it, "In the world of chemistry, even the smallest compounds can lead to the most significant breakthroughs."