GB915579A - A process for the production of partially halogenated amine-boranes - Google Patents

Abstract

A partially halogenated secondary or tertiary amine borane having the general formula R.BHmX(3-m) where R is a secondary or tertiary amine, X is a halogen atom other than fluorine and m is 1 or 2, by bringing a compound of formula R.BHnX(3-n) where n = 0 or 1 into contact with hydrogen at elevated pressure and temperature in the substantial absence of oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydroxylic compounds and in the presence of a substance which combines with the hydrogen halide formed in the reaction until absorption of hydrogen corresponding to the replacement of fewer than three halogen atoms has taken place. The boron halide component is preferably boron trichloride. The amine component of the addition compound may be an alkylamine, aralkylamine, arylamine, heterocyclic amine or mixed amine, preferably a tertiary alkylamine such as trimethylamine or triethylamine. The substance which combines with hydrogen halide may be an amine or other basic material, e.g. an electropositive metal such as aluminium. Pressures of 100 to 10,000 atmospheres and temperatures in the range 180 DEG to 250 DEG C. are preferred. A solvent such as a hydrocarbon, ether or amine may be present. An example describes the production of trimethylamine dichloroborane by hydrogenation of trimethylamine-boron trichloride complex. Specification 861,760 is referred to.