Diborane, with the molecular formula B2H6, is a chemical compound consisting of two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless, extremely flammable gas with an offensive stench. Diborane has a special structure that forms a “dumbbell” shape with four hydrogen atoms bridging the two boron atoms at the ends.
In this article, we will learn about Structure of Diborane, Formula of Diborane, Properties of Diborane, and others in detail.
Two boron and six hydrogen atoms make up the chemical compound diborane, which has the formula B2H6
Boro Ethane
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B2H6
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27.67 g/mol
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Colorless at Room Temperature
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Sweet Smell
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180 K
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Structure of Diborane B2H6
Diborane has a unique molecular structure that is shaped like a “dumbbell.” With two boron atoms at each end and four hydrogen atoms bridging together, this arrangement contributes particular geometric properties. Four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals are formed when the boron atoms go through sp3 hybridization. These orbitals are essential for bonding with the nearby hydrogen atoms.
Physical Properties of Diborane
Composed of hydrogen and boron, diborane has the chemical formula B2H6. Because of its intriguing structure and distinct physical characteristics, it is a noteworthy chemical. Diborane has the following important physical characteristics:
- Conditions at Room Temperature: Diborane is a colorless gas at room temperature.
- Odor: It smells strong and somewhat sweet.
- Densities: With a density of around 1.1 kg/m³, diborane is less dense than air.
- Boiling Point: At normal temperatures and pressures, diborane occurs as a gas, hence it is neither a conventional solid nor liquid at regular atmospheric pressure. It has a boiling point of about 180 K
- Solubility: Diborane dissolves in water very little. When it interacts with water, it breaks down into hydrogen and boric acid.
- Flammability: Diborane is extremely flammable and may catch fire on its own when oxygen or air are present.
- Reaction: Diborane interacts violently with oxidizing agents and is a potent reducing agent.
- Toxicity: Diborane is hazardous and should be handled carefully since it can catch fire and pose health risks.
- Solubility: Diborane only partially dissolves in water. When it interacts with water, hydrogen and boric acid are produced.
Chemical Properties of Diborane
Chemical properties of Diborane includes,
Reactivity
Diborane’s high reactivity is mostly caused by the boron-hydrogen bonds that it contains. Because of these bonds’ easy engagement in a variety of chemical reactions, diborane is a compound that is useful in synthesis processes.
Combustibility
Diborane burns rapidly and produces interesting combustion reactions. For example, burning boron hydrides, such as the reaction between boron trichloride and lithium aluminum hydride, is a typical technique for preparing diborane:
6BCl3 + 6LiAlH4 → 2B2H6 + 6LiCl + 6AlCl3​
Diborane has a low boiling point and is volatile, which contributes to its gaseous form at room temperature and pressure.
Stability
Diborane is stable when maintained in carefully monitored environments, despite its reactivity. On the other hand, the chemical is susceptible to spontaneous breakdown due to its sensitivity to heat, light, and certain catalysts.
Production of Diborane
Industrial preparation of diborane (B2H6) involves a few key techniques that take use of boron hydride reactivity. Combustion of boron hydrides, such as the reaction between lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) and boron trichloride (BCl3), is one noteworthy method.
Following is a representation of the combustion reaction:
B2H6 + 6LiCl + 6AlCl3 → 6BCl3 + 6LiAlH4
Lithium aluminum hydride and boron trichloride react in this procedure, producing diborane, lithium chloride, and aluminum chloride as byproducts. The reaction mixture is then separated from diborane.
Another technique uses lithium aluminum hydride to reduce boron trifluoride:
B2H6 + 6LiF + 6AlH3 → 2BF3 + 6LiAlH4
Diborane, lithium fluoride, and aluminum hydride are the products of this reaction between boron trifluoride and lithium aluminum hydride.
These processes produce diborane by taking advantage of lithium aluminum hydride’s reductive properties. Given that diborane is flammable and reactive, it is imperative that these reactions be carried out under carefully monitored circumstances. After that, diborane can be extracted and used for a number of processes, such as semiconductor manufacturing and catalysis.
Reactions of Diborane
Various reactions of Diborane includes,
Reaction with Water
When diborane and water react violently, hydrogen gas and boric acid are produced:
B2H6 + 6H2O → 2H3BO3 + 6H2
Reaction with Air
When diborane and air combine violently, boron oxide (B2O3) and water are produced by combustion.
B2H6 + 3O2 → B2O3 + 3H2O
Reaction with Alkali Action
Hydrogen gas and borates are produced when diborane combines with alkali solutions, such as sodium hydroxide, or NaOH.
B2H6 + 6NaOH → 2B(OH)3 + 6H2
Hydroboration
Diborane is frequently added to unsaturated organic compounds such as alkenes or alkynes in hydroboration processes. Diborane’s hydrogen and boron contribute across the double or triple bond:
B2H6 + H2C = CH2 → H3B-CH2-CH2-BH3
Reaction with Ionic Hydrides
Bobon hydrides are created when diborane combines with ionic hydrides, or substances that contain H^- ions. Lithium hydride (LiH), for instance:
B2H6 + 2LiH → 2LiBH4
Reaction with Ammonia
Ammonia (NH3) and diborane combine to create amino borane complexes.
B2H6 + 2NH3 → 2H3BNH3
Application of Diborane
Some applications of Diborane are,
- Diborane in organic synthesis, serves as a reducing agent.
- Diborane is used in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Diborane is an important constituent in making of Borophosphosilicate a type of glass.
- It is used as rocket fuel.
- Diborane is a reducing agent in various chemical reaction.
Health Consequences of Diborane
Health risks associated with diborane (B2H6) are mostly caused by inhalation or direct contact. Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, which can result in symptoms like coughing and eye pain. Extended exposure can lead to long-term respiratory problems, which highlights the significance of safety precautions.
Preventive Actions
- Protective Equipment: When handling diborane, wear eye and respiratory protection.
- Ventilation: Make sure there is enough ventilation to reduce the risk of inhalation.
- Limit Exposure: To avoid extended contact, impose stringent exposure limits.
Emergency Responses for Use of Diborane
- Give instruction on emergency response protocols.
- Promote awareness in order to reduce unintentional exposures.
Also, Check
Diborane-FAQs
1. Why is Banana Bond Formed in Diborane?
Banana bonds is formed when three atoms and one electron from Hydrogen and other from Boron, two electrons forms a type bond.
2. What is the Name for B2H6?
The name of B2H6 is Diborane.
3. What are Applications of Diborane?
Diborane (B2H6) is used in,
- Vulcanization of Rubber
- Used as Rocket Fuel, etc.
4. What is Bridge Bonding in B2H6?
Bridge bonding is a special type bond that take place in formation of Diborane.
5. How Safe is it to keep Diborane?
Diborane is highly reactive, which makes storage challenging. To lessen the dangers associated with storage, it is often handled with specialist equipment and utilized as soon as feasible.
6. What Environmental Issues are Associated with Diborane?
Diborane should be released into the environment as little as possible since it may be detrimental to both human health and the ecology. Diborane has the potential to pollute the air.
7. How is Diborane made in a Lab?
Boron Trifluoride (BF3) and Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4) or Lithium Aluminum Hydroxide (LiAlH4) reacts to form Diborane.
8. How Does Water and Diborane React with Each Other?
Water and diborane react strongly to generate hydrogen gas and Boric Acid (H3BO3). This process is exothermic, meaning it generates a lot of heat.
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