Explaining the Reaction of Diborane with Ammonia and Water

Introduction to Diborane

Diborane is an inorganic compound composed of two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and is flammable and reactive, making it particularly useful in certain chemical processes.

Reaction of Diborane with Ammonia and Water

When diborane is combined with ammonia and water, a reaction occurs in which the hydrogen atoms on the diborane are replaced by the nitrogen atom in the ammonia. This reaction produces an ammonium borohydride, which is a stable compound with a variety of uses.

Mechanism of the Reaction

The reaction between diborane and ammonia and water is a substitution reaction in which the hydrogen atoms on the diborane are replaced by the nitrogen atom in the ammonia. This is a two-step process that begins when the diborane dissociates into two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen atoms then react with the ammonia to form an intermediate, which is a boron atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a nitrogen atom.

First Step: Dissociation of Diborane

The first step in the reaction is the dissociation of the diborane into two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. This occurs because the bonds holding the two boron atoms together and the bonds holding the hydrogen atoms to the boron atoms are relatively weak. This allows the molecules to break apart into their individual components.

Second Step: Reaction with Ammonia

The second step in the reaction is the reaction of the hydrogen atoms with the ammonia molecules. This produces an intermediate in which a boron atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a nitrogen atom. This intermediate then reacts with a water molecule to form an ammonium borohydride, which is a stable compound.

Conclusion

The reaction of diborane with ammonia and water is a substitution reaction in which the hydrogen atoms on the diborane are replaced by the nitrogen atom in the ammonia. This reaction produces an ammonium borohydride, which is a stable compound with a variety of uses. Understanding this reaction and its mechanism can help scientists and engineers develop new and improved ways of utilizing diborane.