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.