Borate esters

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.