Et3B

Et3B, also known as triethylborane, is an organoboron compound with the chemical formula B(CH2CH3)3. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. Et3B is a highly reactive compound and is pyrophoric, meaning it can spontaneously ignite in air. This property makes it useful in certain applications but also necessitates careful handling and storage under an inert atmosphere.

The synthesis of triethylborane typically involves the reaction of boron trihalides, such as boron trichloride (BCl3), with an ethylating agent like ethylmagnesium bromide (EtMgBr), a Grignard reagent. Alternatively, it can be prepared by the reaction of boron trifluoride (BF3) with triethylaluminum.

Triethylborane finds its primary use as a co-catalyst in Ziegler-Natta polymerization, a process used to produce polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene. In this role, Et3B activates the transition metal catalyst, enhancing its efficiency and influencing the properties of the resulting polymer. It also serves as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and as a source of ethyl radicals. Due to its reactivity, Et3B is often handled in specialized laboratories and industrial settings with appropriate safety precautions.