Ammonium octahydrotriborate (NH4B3H8): new synthesis, structure, and hydrolytic hydrogen release

Authors

Zhenguo Huang, Ohio State UniversityFollow
Xuenian Chen, Ohio State University
Teshome Yisgedu, Ohio State University
Edward A. Meyers, Ohio State University
Sheldon Shore, Ohio State University
J C. Zhao, Ohio State University

RIS ID

83097

Publication Details

Huang, Z., Chen, X., Yisgedu, T., Meyers, E. A., Shore, S. and Zhao, J. C. (2011). Ammonium octahydrotriborate (NH4B3H8): new synthesis, structure, and hydrolytic hydrogen release. Inorganic Chemistry, 50 (8), 3738-3742.

Abstract

A metathesis reaction between unsolvated NaB₃H₈ and NH₄Cl provides a simple and high-yield synthesis of NH₄B₃H₈. Structure determination through X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis reveals weak N—H^δ+- - -H^δ-—B interaction in NH₄B₃H₈ and strong N—H^δ+—H^δ-—B interaction in NH₄B₃H₈·18-crown-6·THF adduct. Pyrolysis of NH₄B₃H₈ leads to the formation of hydrogen gas with appreciable amounts of other volatile boranes below 160°C. Hydrolysis experiments show that upon addition of catalysts, NH₄B₃H₈ releases up to 7.5 materials wt % hydrogen.