What is Boron Trifluorid?
Boron Trifluoride is an inorganic compound that is used as a catalyst or Lewis acid to produce boron or other similar compounds in the pure state. The chemical formula for the compound could be written as the BF3 and its molecular weight is given as 67.805 g mol-1.
Boron Trifluoride Structure
The structure of boron Trifluoride is highly similar to the boron bromide where one boron atom is connected to three fluoride atoms with a planar trigonal structure. This is also an exception to the rules of an octet of valence electrons. The chemical structure for the compound could be written as below.
Boron Trifluoride Chemical Formula
Boron Trifluoride does not exist in nature but it has to be prepared chemically in laboratories. It was synthesized for the first time in 1808. It can be prepared from the hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, or anhydrous borax etc. The chemical reaction could be given as below.
B2O3+ 6 HF → 2 BF+ 3 H2O (I)
6 NaBF4 + B2O3 + 6 H2SO4 → 8 BF3 + 6 NaHSO4 + 3 H2O (II)
Boron Trifluoride Molecular
This is a colorless toxic gas with an irritating odor. The melting point of the compound is -127 ºC and its boiling point could be given as -100 ºC, respectively. The density of the compound is 0.90 g mL-1. This compound is highly soluble in water, sulfuric acid, and other organic solvents too. Further, Boron is a tri-planar molecule whose planar momentum is zero.
One of the important uses of the compound is taken in organic synthesis process and it can be used as sealant chemical or lubricants as well. With this compound, other similar boron compounds can also be prepared with ease.