Decaborane

The physical characteristics of decaborane(14) resemble those of naphthalene and anthracene, all three of which are volatile colorless solids.

It is not sensitive to moist air, although it hydrolyzes in boiling water, releasing hydrogen and giving a solution of boric acid.

[4] On a laboratory scale, sodium borohydride is treated with boron trifluoride to give NaB11H14, which is acidified to release borane and hydrogen gas.

[citation needed] Decaborane is an effective reagent for the reductive amination of ketones and aldehydes.

[7] Decaborane has been assessed for low energy ion implantation of boron in the manufacture of semiconductors.

[10] In crystalline form, it reacts violently with red and white fuming nitric acid which has a use as rocket fuel oxidizer, producing an extremely powerful detonation.

The three-dimensional structure of decaborane
The three-dimensional structure of decaborane
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid