Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base)

BF3 + NH3 → BF3·NH3

Overview

Boron trifluoride, a classic Lewis acid with an empty p-orbital on boron, accepts an electron pair from ammonia's lone pair to form a dative bond. No proton transfer occurs, making this purely a Lewis acid-base reaction. The product is a stable adduct where boron achieves an octet.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Boron B 1 (g)
Reactant Ammonia NH₃ 1 (g)

Everyday Example

BF₃ adducts are sold commercially as stable reagents that release BF₃ for use as catalysts in organic synthesis.

Industrial Importance

BF₃ etherate and other BF₃ complexes are widely used as Lewis acid catalysts in polymerization, Friedel-Crafts reactions, and in petroleum refining.

Properties

Type
Acid-Base
Reversible
Yes
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-130.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base)?
The balanced equation is: BF₃ + NH₃ → BF₃·NH₃.
What type of reaction is Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base)?
Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base) is a acid-base reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base) exothermic or endothermic?
Boron Trifluoride and Ammonia (Lewis Acid-Base) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -130.0 kJ/mol.