Aluminum tetrahydridoborate

Definition

Aluminum tetrahydridoborate, often represented as Al(BH4)4, is a chemical compound that features aluminum and boron, characterized by its tetrahydroborate anion. This compound plays a significant role in organic and inorganic chemistry as a versatile reducing agent and a source of boron in various synthetic applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aluminum tetrahydridoborate is synthesized through the reaction of aluminum compounds with borohydride sources, typically yielding stable complexes.
2. The compound is particularly useful in organic synthesis as it can selectively reduce carbonyl groups to alcohols without affecting other functional groups.
3. It is often utilized in the preparation of organoboron compounds, which are valuable intermediates in organic synthesis and materials science.
4. Al(BH4)4 can act as a hydrogen storage material due to its ability to release hydrogen gas upon decomposition, making it a candidate for energy applications.
5. This compound has been studied for its potential use in clean energy technologies due to its ability to release hydrogen in a controlled manner.

Review Questions

• How does aluminum tetrahydridoborate function as a reducing agent in chemical reactions?
  • Aluminum tetrahydridoborate acts as a reducing agent by donating hydride ions (H-) to other molecules during chemical reactions. This donation leads to the reduction of carbonyl compounds to their corresponding alcohols, showcasing its utility in organic synthesis. The presence of the aluminum center allows for effective transfer of these hydride ions, making Al(BH4)4 an essential tool for chemists working on reduction processes.
• Discuss the importance of aluminum tetrahydridoborate in the synthesis of organoboron compounds.
  • Aluminum tetrahydridoborate is significant in synthesizing organoboron compounds because it provides a convenient source of boron through its tetrahydroborate anions. When reacted with organic halides or other electrophiles, it facilitates the formation of carbon-boron bonds. This capability makes it a valuable reagent in organic chemistry, allowing chemists to create complex molecular architectures that are pivotal in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
• Evaluate the potential role of aluminum tetrahydridoborate in clean energy technologies and hydrogen storage.
  • Aluminum tetrahydridoborate shows promise in clean energy technologies due to its ability to release hydrogen gas upon decomposition. This property positions it as a candidate for hydrogen storage systems, which are crucial for sustainable energy solutions. By investigating methods to optimize its stability and release kinetics, researchers aim to harness its potential for on-demand hydrogen production, contributing to advancements in fuel cell technology and energy storage solutions.

Related terms

Boron Hydrides: A class of compounds that contain boron and hydrogen, including boranes like B2H6, which are important in the study of chemical bonding and reactivity.

Reducing Agent: A substance that donates electrons in a chemical reaction, resulting in the reduction of another substance; aluminum tetrahydridoborate serves as an effective reducing agent in various reactions.

Aluminum Compounds: A diverse group of chemical compounds containing aluminum, known for their varied applications in materials science, catalysis, and pharmaceuticals.