Reversible dehydrogenation of magnesium borohydride to magnesium triborane in the solid state under moderate conditions

Chem Commun (Camb). 2011 Jan 28;47(4):1330-2. doi: 10.1039/c0cc03461d. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Abstract

Thermal decomposition of magnesium borohydride, Mg(BH(4))(2), in the solid state was studied by a combination of PCT, TGA/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Dehydrogenation of Mg(BH(4))(2) at 200 °C en vacuo results in the highly selective formation of magnesium triborane, Mg(B(3)H(8))(2). This process is reversible at 250 °C under 120 atm H(2). Dehydrogenation at higher temperature, >300 °C under a constant argon flow of 1 atm, produces a complex mixture of polyborane species. A borohydride condensation mechanism involving metal hydride formation is proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Boranes / chemistry*
  • Magnesium / chemistry*
  • Magnesium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Pressure
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Boranes
  • Magnesium Compounds
  • Magnesium