Boron trifluoride methyl etherate
Boron trifluoride methyl etherate (CAS: 353-42-4), with the formula BF₃ · O(CH₃)₂, is a colourless liquid and a strong Lewis acid. It is widely employed as a catalyst and reagent in various organic synthesis pathways. Its applications span from the synthesis of complex organic molecules and intermediates to facilitating specific reaction kinetics in catalysis. This compound is a critical component in numerous chemical research and industrial processes.
- IUPAC
- (Dimethyl ether)trifluoroboron

Lewis Acid Catalysis
Boron trifluoride methyl etherate serves as a potent Lewis acid catalyst, promoting a variety of organic transformations. It is particularly useful in reactions requiring strong Lewis acidity, such as Friedel-Crafts alkylations and acylations, Diels-Alder reactions, and polymerization processes.
Reagent in Organic Synthesis
This compound acts as a key reagent in the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Its applications include glycosylation reactions for the synthesis of neurogenic gangliosides, lactonization, and relay ring-closing metathesis cyclization in the synthesis of natural products like peloruside.
Facilitating Reaction Kinetics
Boron trifluoride methyl etherate is used to study and influence the chemical reaction kinetics of various processes. Examples include deconvoluting ligand exchange reactions involving platinum-silver and monitoring palladium-catalyzed nucleophilic allylic substitution reactions via FRET.
Synthesis of Vinyl Ethers
It plays a role in β-elimination and rearrangement reactions, enabling the synthesis of exocyclic vinyl ethers. This capability is valuable in the construction of specific organic frameworks.
| Molecular weight | 113.87 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | BF3 · O(CH3)2 |
| Boiling point | 126-127 °C(lit.) |
| Density | 1.239 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.308(lit.) |
| Autoignition temp | 455 °F |
| Application | Reactant or reagent involved in:• Deconvoluting the chemical reaction kinetics of platinum-silver ligand exchange1• Synthesis of neurogenic ganglioside LLG-3 from starfish via glycosylation reactions2• Synthesis of peloruside via lactonization and relay ring-closing metathesis cyclization3• FRET for monitoring Pd-catalyzed nucleophilic allylic substitution reactions4• Single molecuel imaging of fluorophore-tagged palldium(II) complexes5• β-elimination and rearrangement reactions for synthesis of exocyclic vinyl ethers6 |
| Melting point | −15 °C(lit.) |


Hazard statements
- H260In contact with water releases flammable gases
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary statements
- P223Do not allow contact with water
- P231Handle under inert gas
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P370In case of fire
- P422
| Protective equipment | Faceshields, full-face respirator (US), Gloves, Goggles, multi-purpose combination respirator cartridge (US), type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 62 °C / 143.6 °F |
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 2965 4.3/PG 1 |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | F,C |
| Risk statements (R) | 14/15-34 |
| Safety statements (S) | 16-26-28-36/37/39-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Expl Lim | 21.6 % |
|---|
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Boron trifluoride methyl etherate used for?
+
Boron trifluoride methyl etherate is primarily used as a Lewis acid catalyst and a reagent in organic synthesis for various reactions including glycosylation, lactonization, and facilitating reaction kinetics.
What is the CAS number and formula for Boron trifluoride methyl etherate?
+
The CAS number is 353-42-4, and its formula is BF₃ · O(CH₃)₂.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Boron trifluoride methyl etherate. Please refer to the product specifications for available grades and purities. We do not represent this product as USP, BP, or EP grade unless explicitly stated.
What are the safety and handling precautions for Boron trifluoride methyl etherate?
+
Boron trifluoride methyl etherate is a Danger substance (GHS02, GHS05) due to its flammability and corrosivity. It can cause severe burns and is water-reactive. Handle with extreme caution in a well-ventilated area, using appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for detailed information.
How is Boron trifluoride methyl etherate packed, shipped, and exported?
+
Tech Serve Solutions professionally packs, ships, and exports Boron trifluoride methyl etherate according to international regulations for hazardous materials, ensuring safe and compliant delivery worldwide.
How can I request a quote or sample for Boron trifluoride methyl etherate?
+
To request a quote or sample of Boron trifluoride methyl etherate, please use the contact form on our website or reach out to our sales team directly with your requirements.
▶ Related products

5-Sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate
HO3SC6H3-2-(OH)CO2H 2H2O
Acids & Bases
Calcium hydroxide
Ca(OH)2
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-12C2
12CH312CO2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-13C2
13CH313CO2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-13C2,d4
Acids & Bases

Acetic acid-17O2
CH3C17O2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-18O2
CH3C18O2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-2,2,2-d3
2-d3
Acids & Bases▶ Explore more

3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis