Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate is a powerful reagent widely used in organic synthesis. Also known as BF₃ etherate or BF₃ Et₂O, it serves as a strong Lewis acid that activates electrophiles, enabling various chemical transformations. Due to its broad applicability, it has become a staple in laboratory and industrial processes. This blog explores the properties, applications, and safe handling of this essential compound.
Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate, or BF₃ diethyl ether, is an organic compound commonly used as a boron trifluoride (BF₃) source. It appears as a colorless liquid and is highly reactive. The CAS number for boron trifluoride diethyl etherate is 109-63-7. Due to its high reactivity, it is classified as hazardous by organizations like the NFPA and DOT, requiring careful handling and storage.
Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate is widely used in organic synthesis due to its strong catalytic properties. It facilitates key transformations, including:
Alkylation and glycosylation – Essential in pharmaceutical and carbohydrate chemistry.
Rearrangements and cyclization – Enhancing molecular structure modifications.
Cyanation and coupling reactions – Playing a role in fine chemical and material production.
Michael addition and ring-opening reactions – Supporting complex molecule synthesis.
Given its versatility, boron trifluoride diethyl etherate CAS No 109-63-7 is indispensable in both laboratory research and large-scale industrial applications. It is also closely related to boron trifluoride dimethyl etherate, another Lewis acid with similar reactivity.
Due to its hazardous nature, proper handling of Boron Trifluoride Diethyl Etherate is essential. A common method for safely quenching this reagent involves:
Allowing the reaction mixture to warm to room temperature.
Stirring the mixture for one hour.
Adding a saturated sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) solution at 0°C.
Separating the aqueous layer and extracting it twice with methylene chloride.
Following these safety measures ensures the controlled deactivation and disposal of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate, minimizing risks in laboratory and industrial environments.
Identified by CAS No 109-63-7, boron trifluoride diethyl etherate is a highly versatile reagent that enables a wide range of chemical transformations in organic synthesis. Whether used for alkylation, coupling, or cyclization, its strong catalytic properties make it invaluable. However, due to its reactivity, proper safety precautions must be taken when handling and quenching the reagent. Understanding its applications and safe handling procedures allows chemists to fully utilize BF₃ diethyl ether while maintaining efficiency and safety in chemical processes.
References
1. Merck Index. Boron Trifluoride Diethyl Etherate. 15th ed., Merck & Co., 2013.
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem Compound Summary for Boron Trifluoride Diethyl Etherate (CAS No. 109-63-7), PubChem.
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Hazardous Materials Classification Guide. NFPA, 2020.
4. Gates, Bruce C., and Helmut Knozinger. Advances in Catalysis, Volume 53. Academic Press, 2010.
5. Vogel, Arthur I. Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry. 5th ed., Longman Scientific & Technical, 1989.
6. Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Boron Trifluoride Diethyl Etherate (BF₃·OEt₂), Sigma-Aldrich.
7. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for Boron Trifluoride Compounds, 2021.
English
