Boron Tribromide

Boron tribromide is a chemical compound with the formula BBr3. It is a colorless to yellowish liquid that is highly reactive and is used as a reagent in organic synthesis. Boron tribromide has a trigonal planar structure, with each boron atom bonded to three bromine atoms. The bond angles between the boron and bromine atoms are approximately 120 degrees.

Boron tribromide is a Lewis acid, which means it can act as an electron acceptor and form coordinate covalent bonds with other molecules or ions. In particular, it is commonly used to generate carbocations from alcohols or other compounds with hydroxyl groups. It can also be used to convert carboxylic acids to their corresponding acid chlorides.

When handling boron tribromide, it is important to take appropriate precautions, as it is highly reactive and can react violently with water and other protic solvents. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or ignition. When adding it to a reaction mixture, it should be added slowly and with constant stirring to avoid overheating or splattering. Additionally, it should only be used under properly controlled conditions by qualified personnel who are familiar with its properties and hazards.