In organic chemistry, borate esters are organoboron compounds which are conveniently prepared by the stoichiometric condensation reaction of boric acid with alcohols.
A dehydrating agent, such as concentrated sulfuric acid is typically added.
[2] Like all boron compounds, alkyl borates burn with a characteristic green flame.
Metaborate esters show considerable Lewis acidity and can initiate epoxide polymerization reactions.
[4] The Lewis acidity of orthoborate esters, as determined by the Gutmann-Beckett method, is relatively low.