Improving the Synthesis of Ammonia Borane for Nitrogen–Boron Compound Production
Faculty Mentor
Eric Abbey
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-14-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-14-2026 4:00 PM
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Ammonia Borane is an important precursor to synthesizing various nitrogen-boron compounds, including borazine. The goal of our research is to develop a more efficient synthetic pathway to ammonia borane, to be used in the production of isotopically enriched borazine. Ammonia borane is synthesized by combining sodium borohydride or lithium borohydride with ammonium carbonate in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and allowing them to combine overnight. Early reactions produced inconsistent yields and high levels of impurity within the isolated product. To improve the reaction, parameters such as concentration and reaction time were adjusted. These conditions showed significant improvement in both yield and purity. Using the synthesized ammonia borane, conversion to borazine was achieved; however, the product was obtained at a significantly low yield of 5% with noticeable impurities. In parallel work, the preparation of sodium borohydride from sodium aluminum hydride and boric acid in dimethoxyethane (DME) is being investigated to explore an alternative route to key starting materials. The synthesis of sodium borohydride typically involves multiple steps and requires extremely high temperatures, exceeding 200 °C. Developing a more efficient single-step synthesis of sodium borohydride would significantly simplify the preparation of ammonia borane. Together, these efforts contribute towards a more efficient synthetic pathway for producing isotopically enriched borazine.
Recommended Citation
Salois, Abbie and Makinster, Summer, "Improving the Synthesis of Ammonia Borane for Nitrogen–Boron Compound Production" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 14.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/ps_2026/p3_2026/14
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Improving the Synthesis of Ammonia Borane for Nitrogen–Boron Compound Production
PUB NCR
Ammonia Borane is an important precursor to synthesizing various nitrogen-boron compounds, including borazine. The goal of our research is to develop a more efficient synthetic pathway to ammonia borane, to be used in the production of isotopically enriched borazine. Ammonia borane is synthesized by combining sodium borohydride or lithium borohydride with ammonium carbonate in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and allowing them to combine overnight. Early reactions produced inconsistent yields and high levels of impurity within the isolated product. To improve the reaction, parameters such as concentration and reaction time were adjusted. These conditions showed significant improvement in both yield and purity. Using the synthesized ammonia borane, conversion to borazine was achieved; however, the product was obtained at a significantly low yield of 5% with noticeable impurities. In parallel work, the preparation of sodium borohydride from sodium aluminum hydride and boric acid in dimethoxyethane (DME) is being investigated to explore an alternative route to key starting materials. The synthesis of sodium borohydride typically involves multiple steps and requires extremely high temperatures, exceeding 200 °C. Developing a more efficient single-step synthesis of sodium borohydride would significantly simplify the preparation of ammonia borane. Together, these efforts contribute towards a more efficient synthetic pathway for producing isotopically enriched borazine.
