Ammonium octahydrotriborate (NH4B3H8): new synthesis, structure, and hydrolytic hydrogen release

A metathesis reaction between unsolvated NaB3H8 and

NH4Cl provides a simple and high-yield synthesis of NH4B3H8. Structure

determination through X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis reveals weak

NHδþ- - -HδB interaction in NH4B3H8 and strong NHδþ—

HδB interaction in NH4B3H8 3 18-crown-6 3THF adduct. Pyrolysis of

NH4B3H8 leads to the formation of hydrogen gas with appreciable amounts

of other volatile boranes below 160 C. Hydrolysis experiments show that

upon addition of catalysts, NH4B3H8 releases up to 7.5 materials wt %

hydrogen.