Boron Trifluoride

Boron trifluoride is a chemical compound with the formula BF3. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is highly reactive, making it useful in various industrial processes. The molecule has a trigonal planar geometry with boron at the center and three fluorine atoms positioned around it.

Boron trifluoride has a boiling point of -100.3 °C (-148.5°F) and a melting point of -127.8°C (-198°F). It is soluble in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and ether but insoluble in nonpolar solvents like benzene and hexane.

BF3 is commonly used in organic chemistry as a Lewis acid catalyst due to its ability to accept an electron pair from other molecules. It can also be used as a reducing agent and in the production of aluminum, magnesium, and boron alloys.

One important safety consideration when working with boron trifluoride is its strong reactivity with water and moisture, which can lead to the production of hydrofluoric acid (HF), a highly toxic and corrosive substance. Therefore, appropriate measures must be taken to avoid exposure to moisture when handling BF3.