Boron trichloride

Boron Trichloride is a colorless, non-flammable gas that is used in a variety of industrial processes. It is a compound of boron and chlorine with the chemical formula BCl3.

Chemical Properties

Boron Trichloride is a planar molecule with the boron atom in the center and the three chlorine atoms surrounding it. It is a strong Lewis acid, meaning it can accept a pair of electrons from a Lewis base to form a coordinate covalent bond. This property makes it useful in a variety of chemical reactions.

Physical Properties

Boron Trichloride is a colorless gas at room temperature and standard pressure. It has a pungent odor and is highly corrosive. It is soluble in sulfuric acid but reacts violently with water and alcohols, producing hydrochloric acid and boric acid.

Production

Boron Trichloride is typically produced by direct chlorination of boron oxide and carbon at high temperatures. This process is carried out in a furnace and results in a mixture of boron trichloride and carbon monoxide.

Uses

Boron Trichloride is used in a variety of industrial processes. It is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of fiberglass, as a refining agent for aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and copper alloys, and in the production of high purity boron for semiconductor applications. It is also used in the chemical industry as a reagent for various reactions.

Safety

Boron Trichloride is a highly corrosive substance and can cause severe burns and eye damage. It is also harmful if inhaled and can cause respiratory irritation. Proper safety measures should be taken when handling this substance.

See Also

• Boron
• Chlorine
• Lewis acid
• Lewis base