Pentaborane

Pentaborane, also known as Pentaborane(9) or B5H9, is a type of borane that is highly reactive and flammable. It is a colorless liquid that has a strong, unpleasant smell. Pentaborane is used as a high-energy fuel, but it is also highly toxic and difficult to handle safely.

History

Pentaborane was first synthesized in the 1940s by Alfred Stock, a German chemist who was known for his work on boranes. It was later used by the U.S. military as a high-energy fuel for jet engines and rockets, but its use was discontinued due to safety concerns.

Properties and Structure

Pentaborane is a molecule made up of five boron atoms and nine hydrogen atoms. It has a unique structure, with four of the boron atoms forming a tetrahedron and the fifth boron atom located in the center of the tetrahedron. This central boron atom is bonded to the other four boron atoms and to five hydrogen atoms.

Pentaborane is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a strong, unpleasant smell. It is highly reactive and flammable, and it can explode on contact with air or water.

Uses

Pentaborane was used by the U.S. military as a high-energy fuel for jet engines and rockets. However, its use was discontinued due to safety concerns. Today, pentaborane is used in the synthesis of other boranes and as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions.

Safety

Pentaborane is highly toxic and difficult to handle safely. It can cause severe burns and eye damage, and it is harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with air or water.

See also

• Borane
• Alfred Stock
• Jet engine
• Rocket

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