Boron trifluoride (chemical formula: BF3) is an inorganic compound that exists as a colorless gas, with a strong irritating odor and corrosiveness. It rapidly hydrolyzes in water, producing boric acid and fluoroboric acid, while releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride gas.
Boron trifluoride is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, participating in reactions such as esterification, alkylation, polymerization, and isomerization. Additionally, it is an important raw material in the manufacture of rocket high-energy fuel and is used in the semiconductor industry for ion implantation and doping.
The production of boron trifluoride generally involves the reaction of boric acid or boron oxide with hydrogen fluoride, or it is prepared through high-temperature reactions of aluminum plant waste with boric acid or boron oxide in a sulfuric acid environment. Due to its hazardous nature, the handling and storage of boron trifluoride require special care to ensure safety.
Physical Properties
Boron trifluoride (chemical formula: BF3) is a colorless gas that becomes a colorless liquid at -127°C and a white solid at -160°C. It has a relatively high density (1.203 g/mL at 25ºC) and a low boiling point (48.1ºC at 760 mmHg). Boron trifluoride is soluble in organic solvents such as concentrated sulfuric acid, kerosene, and benzene, but it decomposes in water into boric acid and fluoroboric acid, releasing heat.
Chemical Properties
Boron trifluoride is a strong Lewis acid and can form adducts with various substances. It reacts with water to generate fluoroboric acid and boric acid. It generally does not react with elemental metals but can form addition compounds or alkylmetal compounds with many other substances. Boron trifluoride rapidly hydrolyzes in humid air, releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride fumes, and is highly corrosive, capable of corroding glass and many metals.
The chemical reactivity of boron trifluoride is extremely high; it decomposes explosively upon contact with water and reacts vigorously with organic compounds. It can also participate in halogen exchange reactions and dimerization reactions to form various compounds.
Catalyst: Boron trifluoride is an important catalyst for various organic reactions, such as polymerization of olefins, alkylation reactions, esterification reactions, and condensation reactions.
Polymer Production: In the polymer industry, boron trifluoride is used to produce polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, a material with excellent heat resistance and chemical stability.
Electronics Industry: Boron trifluoride is used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, where it serves as a doping agent to regulate the conductivity of semiconductor materials like silicon.
Organic Synthesis: In organic synthesis, boron trifluoride is used as a Lewis acid catalyst to participate in reactions such as Friedel-Crafts acylation and alkylation.
Analytical Chemistry: Boron trifluoride is used as a component of the stationary phase in gas chromatography and as an ionization agent in mass spectrometry.
Nuclear Industry: In the nuclear industry, boron trifluoride is used to control neutron flux in nuclear reactors as it can absorb neutrons.
Boron trifluoride (BF3) is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical, and its safe storage is crucial.
The following are key points for the safe storage of boron trifluoride:
Dedicated Storage Room: Boron trifluoride should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated, dedicated storage room, away from high temperatures and heat sources. The storage temperature should not exceed 30°C, and containers should be kept sealed.
Separate Storage: It should be stored separately from alcohols, alkalis, water and aqueous substances, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, alkyl nitrates, food chemicals, and other incompatible materials. Mixing should be avoided.
Leakage Emergency Equipment: The storage area should be equipped with emergency leakage handling devices and appropriate containment materials. Packaging and Labeling: The aluminum alloy seamless gas cylinders containing boron trifluoride should be painted silver-gray and labeled in black. They should have safety caps and be wrapped with rubber rings or twine. The cylinders should be stored in low-temperature, well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Prohibited Areas: Storage tanks and handling equipment should be prohibited near schools, hospitals, residential areas, and other densely populated areas. They should also be kept away from frequently visited locations and emergency exits.
Two-Person Receipt and Storage System: Strictly enforce the "two-person receipt and two-person storage" system for toxic chemicals.
Safety Measures: Operators should wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves, goggles, or face shields and work in a well-ventilated environment when handling boron trifluoride.
Avoid Moisture: Since boron trifluoride decomposes explosively when exposed to water, special attention should be paid to moisture control during storage, ensuring containers remain dry.
These measures help prevent safety accidents such as leakage, fires, and poisoning incidents when handling and storing boron trifluoride. All relevant safety procedures and best practices should be followed during handling and storage.
This is the last one.
English
