Borane

Name:
Borane
Detailed information:
One of a series of boron hydrides (compounds of boron and hydrogen). The simplest of these, BH₃, is unstable at atmospheric pressure and becomes diborane (B₂H₆) as gas at normal pressures. This is converted to higher boranes, i.e., penta-, deca-, etc., by condensation. This series progresses through a number of well-characterized crystalline compounds. Hydrides up to B₂₀H₂₆ exist. Most are not very stable and readily react with water to yield hydrogen. Many react violently with air. As a rule, they are highly toxic. Their properties have suggested investigation for rocket propulsion, but they have not proved satisfactory for this purpose. There are also a number of organoboranes used as reducing agents in electroless nickel-plating of metals and plastics. Some of the compounds used are di- and triethylamine borane and pyridine borane.See Carborane; Diborane; Pentaborane; Organoborane.