BORANES Meaning and
Definition
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Boranes are a class of chemical compounds that contain boron and hydrogen atoms. They belong to the broader category of inorganic compounds known as boron hydrides. Boranes are characterized by their distinct chemical properties, which are primarily governed by the unique bonding characteristics of boron.
In boranes, boron typically forms covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, resulting in a variety of compounds with different structures and chemical reactivity. These compounds exhibit a wide range of physical and chemical properties, including high thermal stability, low boiling points, and high energy densities.
Boranes play a significant role in various applications, such as inorganic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and as reagents in organic synthesis. They find use in fuel cells, as they possess high energy content and can release hydrogen gas upon reaction with water. Additionally, boranes have been explored for their potential in hydride storage and as powerful reducing agents.
Some examples of boranes include diborane (B2H6), which is a colorless, flammable gas with a characteristic pungent odor, and decaborane (B10H14), which is a solid with remarkable thermal stability.
The study of boranes and their properties is an active field of research, with scientists continuously exploring their potential applications and synthesizing new compounds.
Etymology of BORANES
The term "borane" is derived from boron, the chemical element to which it refers. The word "boron" itself originates from the Persian word "burah" or "buraq", meaning borax. The term "borane" was coined by the American chemist H. I. Schlesinger in 1939 to describe compounds consisting of only boron and hydrogen atoms. Since then, it has been used to refer to a wide range of boron-hydrogen compounds with varying structures and properties.
