Chemistry of boranes. XV. Synthesis of diborane from boric oxide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic50017a026

A direct synthesis of diborane from boric oxide has been achieved by hydrogenation of the oxide in the presence of aluminum and aluminum trichloride. Very pure diborane is obtained from this reaction in 40-50% conversions at temperatures above 150° and hydrogen pressures of 750 atm. This hydrogenation is believed to proceed through an aluminum chlorohydride intermediate. Amine boranes, aminoboranes, and borazines were obtained directly from boric oxide when the hydrogenation was effected in the presence of secondary or tertiary alkylamines.