TETRAHYDROXYBORATE Meaning and
Definition
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Tetrahydroxyborate is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of borates – compounds containing the element boron. It is composed of four hydroxyl (OH) groups bound to a boron atom, hence the prefix tetrahydroxy. The chemical formula for tetrahydroxyborate is BOH₄⁻.
Tetrahydroxyborate is typically found in the form of a salt, where the borate anion is combined with a positively charged cation, such as a metal. This salt is formed when boron is combined with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in a reaction. Tetrahydroxyborate salts are often soluble in water due to the hydroxyl groups, allowing them to dissociate into their constituent ions.
These salts have been widely used in various chemical reactions and industrial applications due to their versatile nature. Tetrahydroxyborate can act as a strong reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons to other substances, thereby undergoing oxidation itself. It is commonly employed in organic synthesis as a reducing agent for carbonyl compounds, assisting in the conversion of aldehydes and ketones to alcohols.
Furthermore, tetrahydroxyborate salts are commonly utilized as electrolytes in various battery technologies. The ability of tetrahydroxyborate to undergo reversible redox reactions makes it an attractive choice for these applications.
In summary, tetrahydroxyborate is a borate compound consisting of four hydroxyl groups bonded to a boron atom. It is often found as a salt and is valued for its strong reducing properties and its application in organic synthesis and battery technologies.
Etymology of TETRAHYDROXYBORATE
The word "tetrahydroxyborate" is derived from several components: "tetra-", "hydroxy-", and "borate".
- "Tetra-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "tetra", meaning four. It is used in chemistry to denote a compound with four of a particular group or element.
- "Hydroxy-" is derived from the Greek word "hydor", meaning water. In chemistry, "hydroxy" refers to the presence of an -OH group, which is characteristic of alcohols and many other compounds.
- "Borate" refers to compounds that contain boron and oxygen atoms. The term "borate" is derived from the element name "boron".
Putting it all together, "tetrahydroxyborate" describes a compound that contains four hydroxy (-OH) groups attached to a boron atom.
