THE OXIDATION OF TETRABORANE
Abstract
An investigation of the explosive oxidation of tetraborane and the partial oxidation of tetraborane was undertaken. Mixtures of tetraborane with O, and with O and inert gas were prepared at known pressures and temperatures in the reaction bulbs; these mixtures exploded on heating. The data obtained indicated a branching chain reaction with chain initiation in the gas phase AND CHAIN BREAKING ON THE WALL OF THE VESSEL. The entire range of pressures and temperatures investigated shows the behavior generally attributed to the first explosion limit of a branching chain reaction. Lead tetraethyl was found to inhibit the reaction erratically and in some cases prevented explosion. The partial oxidation of tetraborane was brought about by the slow addition of O to tetraborane in the IR gas reaction cell. A reaction occurred which produced diborane, partial oxidation product, H, and boric acid anhydride. Mixtures of tetraborane and diborane to which O was slowly added reacted similarly. Argon had no effect on the system under the conditions studied.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0259093
Entities
People
- Kenneth H. Ludlum
- Stephen E. Wiberley
- Walter H. Bauer
Organizations
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute