BF3 Gas

Boron Trifluoride (BF3) is a non-flammable compressed gas that is used as an
acidic catalyst or co-catalyst in a varying array of organic synthesis
reactions.  It is one of the strongest Lewis acids (an electron-pair acceptor)
reacting readily with chemicals containing oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and other
electron pair donors.
PURPOSE:
Boron Trifluoride is used as a catalyst for organic synthesis reactions, for
the manufacture of synthetic oils and lubricant additives and in the production
of high-purity boron isotopes.
BF3 gas is used mainly as a catalyst in a large number of
reactions: polymerization, esterification, alkylation, acylation,
isomerization, sulfonation, nitration, addition, decyclisation
APPLICATION:
Boron Trifluoride (BF3) can be found in a number of applications. As a strong
Lewis acid, BF3’s catalytic properties are used for such reactions as
alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons, polymerization of phenolic and epoxy
resins as well as other isomerization, esterification, and condensation
reactions. It is used as a source for the manufacture of high-purity boron
isotopes such as those found in nuclear waste containment and neutron radiation
control applications as well as applications in the semiconductor industry such
as the manufacture of semiconductor grade silicone. BF3 is also used as a gas
flux for soldering and brazing and in the production of diborane and other
boron-containing compounds.

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