Boron tribromide

Description

Boron tribromide (BBr3) is a Lewis acid commonly used for the demethylation of methyl ethers. Boron tribromide is available neat, but is often purchased as a 1M solution in either DCM, hexane, or heptane. The most common of these is the 1M solution in DCM. Boron tribromide is moisture sensitive so reactions should be carried out under anhydrous conditions. Ether and THF are not suitable solvents since BBr3 cleaves ethers.

Description

Boron tribromide is a colorless, fumingliquid. Molecular weight=250.57. Boiling point=90℃;Freezing/Melting point=-46℃; Vapor pressure=53 hPaat 14℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 MRating System): Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 2.Soluble in water; dangerous reaction.

Chemical properties

clear to amber liquid with a pungent odour

Chemical properties

Boron tribromide is a colorless, fuming liquid.

The Uses of Boron tribromide

Boron Tribromide is used as a reagent in the synthesis of 8-hydroxyquinolato compounds used as electron transport materials in EL devices. It is also used in the demethylation of aryl methyl ethers by boron tribromide.

The Uses of Boron tribromide

A mixture of the SM (1.01 g, 4.54 mmol) in dry DCM (36 mL) at 0 C under N2 was treated dropwise with BBr3 (1M in DCM, 13.6 mL, 13.6 mmol). The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stir overnight, after which time it was added dropwise to a stirring mixture of ice water (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for 30 min at RT then filtered and dried to provide the product as a yellow solid. [0.77 g, 82%]

The Uses of Boron tribromide

manufacture of diborane; ultra high purity boron. Reagent for cleavage of ethers, amines, thiols; addition of allenes and alkynes.

The Uses of Boron tribromide

Catalyst in manufacture of diborane, ultrahigh-purity boron, and semiconductors

What are the applications of Application

The primary use of boron tribromide is as an initiator for the polymerization of olefins and as a catalyst in other organic reactions. It is also used in the electronics industry as a source of bromine for ion implantation in semiconductors, and for plasma etching in semiconductor device manufacturing.

General Description

A colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Boiling point 194°F. Freezing point -51°F. Very toxic by inhalation. Corrosive to metals and tissue.

Reactivity Profile

Boron tribromide strongly attacks wood and rubber with generation of flammable hydrogen gas. Reacts exothermically and violently with water. Mixing tungsten trioxide and Boron tribromide caused an explosion when the reaction was not cooled in an ice bath.

Hazard

Corrosive to tissue. May explode when heated. Upper respiratory tract irritant.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes severe irritation of mucous membranes. Ingestion causes burns of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes or skin causes severe burns.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic fumes of the chemical or hydrogen bromide may form in fires.

Potential Exposure

Boron tribromide is highly toxic and corrosive, it is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, making diborane, high purity boron, and semiconductors.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions,including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious,administer water or milk. Do not induce vomiting.Medical observation is recommended for 24
48 h after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroidspray.

storage

(1) Color Code—White: Corrosive or ContactHazard; Store separately in a corrosion-resistant location.(2) Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in asecure poison location. Before entering confined spacewhere boron tribromide may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in airtight, unbreakable containers in a cool wellventilated area away from water, steam, potassium,sodium, alcohol, and other incompatible materials. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of this chemical should begrounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pumpliquid from drums or other storage containers to processcontainers. Drums must be equipped with self-closingvalves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Useonly nonsparking tools and equipment, especially whenopening and closing containers of this chemical. Sourcesof ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in amanner that could create a potential fire or explosionhazard.

Shipping

UN2692 Boron tribromide, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8—Corrosive materials, 6.1—Poison Inhalation Hazard, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

Reacts violently and explosively with water, steam, or alcohols, forming toxic, corrosive, and potentially explosive hydrogen bromide gas. Mixtures with potassium or sodium can explode on impact. Incompatible with oxidizers, strong bases. Attacks some metals, rubbers, and plastics.