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.
