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Boron trifluoride - Reciprocal Net Common Molecule Log in
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Boron trifluoride

Boron trifluoride is a common lewis acid.

Chemical Formula: BF3
Other names: boron trifluoride etherate
Layman's explanation: Boron trifluoride has a trigonal pryamidal shape and dissolves in diethyl ether. Normally a gas, boron trifluoride is a hard and strong Lewis acid with a high affinity in displacement reactions and is therefore used mainly as a catalyst in alkylations, polymerizations and esterifications. It extracts bases bound to carbon and produces carbocations. Also it is used as a fumigant and in the magnesium industry because its anti-oxidant properties.
Keywords: lewis acid, fumigant, catalyst

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