Tributyl borate

Chemical properties

Water-white liquid. Distillation range, 85% distills between 135C and 140C (40 mm Hg). Hydrolyzes rapidly; miscible with common organic liquids. Combustible.

The Uses of Tributyl borate

Welding fluxes, intermediate in preparation of borohydrides, flame retardant for textiles (with boric acid).

The Uses of Tributyl borate

Tri-n-butyl Borate is used as a catalyst in the formation of dihydropyrimidinones under solvent-free microwave-assisted conditions.

Air & Water Reactions

Rapidly decomposes in water.

Reactivity Profile

Borates behave similarly to esters in that they react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters/borates with alkali metals and hydrides. Reacts vigorously with oxidizing materials. .

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Toxic; may emit toxic fumes when heated to decomposition or on contact with acid or acid fumes, local irritant.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. An eye irritant. Flammable when exposed to heat, flame, or oxiduers. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition or on contact with acid or acid fumes it can emit toxic fumes; on contact with oxidizing materials it can react vigorously. See also BORANES and BORON COMPOUNDS.

Purification Methods

The chief impurities are n-butyl alcohol and boric acid (from hydrolysis). It must be handled in a dry-box and can readily be purified by fractional distillation, under reduced pressure. [O’Brien Aust J Chem 10 91 1957, Gerrard & Lappert J Chem Soc 2545, 2547 1951, Beilstein 1 IV 1544.]