CHEM 3320 / Experiment 5: Cr(2)-acetate

BH₃ (borane)

• simplest member of boron hydride family

  • boron hydride family - family of compounds challenging conventional valence ideas

• Strong Lewis acid w/ Lewis diagram reveals empty energetic valence orbital → extreme reactivity (reacts violently w/ H₂O to make H₂

• Dimerizes @ RT + room pressure to form B₂H₆ (diborane) → 3-centre 2-electron bonds

Experimental

• In fume hood @ all times → flammable H₂ release via rxn

• THF → flammable but not toxic → capable of dissolving gloves & penetrating skin.

• NaBH₄ → flammable → forms toxic gases when suspended in THF. Handle w/ small amounts.