A number of allotropes of BO have been theorized ranging from molecular species, to 1D, 2D, and 3D-structured materials,[3][4][5] but these were difficult to differentiate using common structural characterization methods.

Recent work suggests that the material forms 2D nanosheets composed of O-bridged B4O2 rings, a structure initially postulated in 1961.

[6][7] Due to the lack of precise structural information on the identity of the compound, it has not found widespread use in industry.

Boron monoxide is typically produced through the condensation of tetrahydroxydiboron (chemical formula; B2(OH)4) at temperatures of 200–500°C.

These glasses generally have a dark appearance, from the dissolved elemental boron, and are also produced directly through the dissolution of B into B2O3.