Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complex
Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complex (CAS 462-34-0; BF3 · THF; molar mass 139.91 g/mol) is a coordination complex of the strong Lewis acid boron trifluoride stabilised by tetrahydrofuran. Supplied as a corrosive, moisture-sensitive liquid, it is a convenient, easier-to-handle source of BF3 for synthetic chemistry. It is used principally as a polymerisation initiator and as a Lewis-acid catalyst in organic synthesis. Tech Serve Solutions supplies it to laboratory and industrial users worldwide.
- Synonyms
- Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complexBoron trifluoride-tetrahydrofuran complexBF3 · THFBoron trifluoride THF complexTrifluoroborane tetrahydrofuranBF3-THF
Polymerisation initiator
The complex is used extensively as an initiator for cationic and ring-opening polymerisations, where the released boron trifluoride activates monomers. The THF adduct provides a stable, measurable liquid source of BF3 for these reactions.
Lewis-acid catalyst in organic synthesis
As a soluble form of boron trifluoride, it catalyses acid-promoted transformations such as condensations, rearrangements and protecting-group chemistry. It offers a more manageable alternative to handling gaseous BF3 directly.
Synthetic reagent for boron and fluorine chemistry
It serves as a defined BF3 equivalent in catalysis and inorganic chemistry, supporting reactions that require a strong, anhydrous Lewis acid. The tetrahydrofuran ligand is displaced as the reaction proceeds.
Research and process development
The complex is employed in laboratory-scale method development and process chemistry where a stabilised, liquid boron trifluoride source simplifies dosing and handling under anhydrous conditions.
| Molecular weight | 139.91 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | BF3 · THF |
| Boiling point | 180 °C(lit.) |
| Density | 1.268 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Contains / stabiliser | >0.5% sulfur dioxide as peroxide formation suppressor |
| Application | Used extensively as a polymerization initiator.7,8 |
| Melting point | 11-13 °C(lit.) |
Hazard statements
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary statements
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor
| Protective equipment | Faceshields, full-face respirator (US), Gloves, Goggles, multi-purpose combination respirator cartridge (US), type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 92 °C / 197.6 °F |
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 3265 8 / PGII |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | C |
| Risk statements (R) | 34 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-27-36/37/39-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
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 tetrahydrofuran complex used for?
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It is used mainly as a polymerisation initiator and as a Lewis-acid catalyst in organic synthesis. As a stabilised liquid source of boron trifluoride (BF3), it provides an easier-to-handle alternative to the gas for reactions that need a strong, anhydrous Lewis acid.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complex?
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The CAS number is 462-34-0 and the linear formula is BF3 · THF, with a molecular weight of 139.91 g/mol. Its EC number is 207-325-9 and the MDL number is MFCD00040372.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies this material as a reagent-grade synthetic chemical. The product contains greater than 0.5% sulfur dioxide as a peroxide-formation suppressor. A certificate of analysis with batch-specific data is provided on request; we do not claim USP, BP or EP grade.
Is Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complex hazardous, and how should it be handled?
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Yes. It is classified GHS05, signal word Danger, hazard statement H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage). Handle under anhydrous conditions with gloves, goggles or face-shield and suitable respiratory protection; in case of skin or eye contact, rinse and seek medical attention. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.
How is Boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuran complex packed, shipped and exported?
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It is packed in tightly sealed, moisture-excluding containers appropriate to the order quantity and labelled to GHS requirements. For transport it is classified UN 3265, Class 8 (corrosive liquid), Packing Group II, and is shipped in compliance with applicable dangerous-goods regulations. We export worldwide with full documentation.
How do I request a sample or quote?
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Contact Tech Serve Solutions with your required quantity, packaging and delivery destination, and our team will respond with availability, lead time and documentation. Sample requests are handled subject to dangerous-goods shipping requirements.
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