Boron trifluoride (BF3) is a Lewis acid; it is a very useful reagent for forming esters from acids. Boron trifluoride is commercially available as a 14% solution in methanol for forming esters derivatives. It catalysed reactions carried out in a water bath are very rapid and can be completed in a few minutes. Boron-trifluoride-catalysed transesterification of vegetable oils is one of the most popular methods. For transesterification of vegetable oils, BF3 is used in methanol (15 to 20% w/v).
Molecular Formula: CH4BF3O
Molecular Weight: 99.85
Linear Structural Formula: BF3 · MeOH
MDL Number: MFCD00071635
Density: 0.86 g/mL at 20 C
Storage: 2-8C
Application: Suitable for derivatization of hydroxy fatty acids.
Legal Information: LiChropur is a trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Other Notes: Reagent for methyl ester, O-acetyl.
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard statements: H225-H302-H314-H332-H372
Precautionary statements: P210-P280-P305 + P351 + P338-P310
Hazard Codes (Europe) : F,T
Risk Statements (Europe): 11-20/22-34-48/23
Safety Statements (Europe): 23-26-36/37/39-45
WGK Germany: 3