Lithium Tetraborate HydrateCAS #: 12007-61-3

Synonyms 

Lithium borate hydrate; Dilithium tetraborate hydrate; boron lithium oxide hydrate; dilithium tetraboron heptaoxide hydrate; dilithium (oxido-oxoboranyloxy-boranyl)oxy-oxoboranyloxy-borinate hydrate; Dilithium bicyclo[3.3.1]tetraboroxane-3, 7-diolate; 2,4,6,8,9-pentaoxa-1,3, 5,7-tetraborabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3, 7-diolate hydrate, lithium salt

Compound Formula: H2B4Li2O8 

Molecular Weight: 187.2 

Appearance: White powder 

Melting Point: N/A 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 188.044195 g/mol 

Monoisotopic Mass: 188.044195 g/mol

Product Introduction: Potassium Hexafluoroarsenate (KAsF₆, CAS #: 12007-61-3)

Potassium hexafluoroarsenate, with the chemical formula KAsF₆ and CAS number 12007-61-3, is a specialized inorganic compound belonging to the family of hexafluoroanion salts. This colorless to white crystalline solid consists of potassium cations (K⁺) and hexafluoroarsenate anions (AsF₆⁻), exhibiting unique properties such as high thermal stability, low solubility in organic solvents, and strong oxidizing behavior. Due to its association with arsenic—a toxic element—its applications are highly specialized, primarily limited to research, industrial catalysis, and niche electrochemical systems.

Chemical & Physical Properties

KAsF₆ exhibits distinct properties that define its specialized utility:

Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (approximately 0.5 g/100 mL at 20°C) and poorly soluble in most organic solvents, though it dissolves in polar aprotic solvents like acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under specific conditions.

Melting Point: Approximately 530°C, with high thermal stability up to this temperature, making it suitable for high-temperature processes.

Density: Around 3.48 g/cm³, reflecting the heavy atomic mass of arsenic and fluorine in its structure.

Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic, absorbing minimal moisture from the air under normal conditions, which helps maintain its crystalline integrity.

Oxidizing Potential: Acts as a strong oxidizing agent, particularly in organic reactions, due to the high electron affinity of the AsF₆⁻ anion.

Key Applications

Potassium hexafluoroarsenate (CAS 12007-61-3) is employed in highly specialized fields, leveraging its unique chemical properties:

Chemical Research: Used as a strong oxidizing agent and a source of AsF₆⁻ ions in inorganic and organometallic synthesis. It facilitates the formation of coordination complexes and is valuable in studies of electron transfer reactions.

Electrochemistry: Investigated as an electrolyte additive in specialized battery systems and electrochemical cells, where its ionic properties and stability in non-aqueous solvents support specific reaction mechanisms. However, its use is limited due to toxicity concerns.

Catalysis: Acts as a catalyst or co-catalyst in certain industrial polymerization reactions and fluorination processes, where its oxidizing nature promotes bond activation in organic molecules.

Material Science: Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glasses, where it modifies material properties such as thermal resistance and refractive index, though applications are restricted due to arsenic content.

Advantages & Limitations

KAsF₆ offers specific benefits for niche applications, alongside critical limitations:

Oxidizing Strength: Serves as a powerful oxidizing agent, enabling reactions that require strong electron acceptance, which is valuable in specialized synthesis and catalysis.

Thermal Stability: High melting point and resistance to decomposition at elevated temperatures make it suitable for high-temperature processes where other oxidizing agents would degrade.

Limitations: The presence of arsenic makes it highly toxic, with severe health risks (including acute poisoning and long-term carcinogenic effects) that restrict its use to controlled industrial and laboratory environments. Its low solubility in most solvents also limits its versatility compared to more soluble hexafluoroanion salts.

Synthesis & Quality Control

KAsF₆ is synthesized through controlled reactions to ensure purity and minimize toxicity risks:

Precursor Reaction: Potassium fluoride (KF) reacts with arsenic pentafluoride (AsF₅) in an anhydrous organic solvent (e.g., sulfur dioxide or carbon tetrachloride) under inert atmosphere: KF + AsF₅ → KAsF₆.

Purification: The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with anhydrous solvents to remove unreacted precursors, and dried under vacuum. Recrystallization from polar aprotic solvents may be used to achieve higher purity.

Quality control includes X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify crystalline structure, ion chromatography to detect anionic impurities, and elemental analysis to confirm arsenic and fluorine content (typically 98–99% purity for industrial grades). Strict handling protocols are enforced to prevent contamination.

Safety & Handling

Due to its high toxicity and oxidizing properties, extreme caution is required when handling KAsF₆:

Storage: Must be stored in tightly sealed, chemically resistant containers (e.g., PTFE or HDPE) in a dedicated, well-ventilated storage area, separate from reducing agents, combustible materials, and acids. Access should be restricted to trained personnel.

Toxicity: Arsenic compounds are highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, causing severe organ damage, neurological effects, and cancer. Even small exposures require immediate medical attention.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use full-body chemical-resistant clothing, gloves (PTFE), a face shield, and a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when handling. Work only in a fume hood with high-efficiency filtration.

Reactivity: Reacts violently with reducing agents, strong acids, and combustible materials, releasing toxic gases (e.g., AsF₅, HF). Avoid friction, impact, or heating to prevent decomposition.

Disposal: Must be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with strict local, national, and international regulations for arsenic-containing compounds. Never dispose of in regular waste or drain systems.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Packaging & Availability

KAsF₆ is available in highly controlled packaging due to its toxicity:

Crystalline Solid: Packaged in small, sealed PTFE or HDPE vials (1g–50g) for laboratory use, with secondary containment to prevent leaks. Larger quantities (100g–1kg) are available in specialized drums with inert gas purging, restricted to industrial customers with proper permits.

Availability is limited due to regulatory restrictions on arsenic compounds. High-purity grades (99.9%) are available for research purposes but require documentation of end-use and compliance with hazardous material regulations.

For technical specifications, regulatory compliance information, or to inquire about availability, contact our specialized hazardous materials team, which is trained in handling and distributing toxic inorganic compounds.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335 

Hazard Codes: Xi 

Risk Codes: 36/37/38 

Safety Statements: 26-36 

RTECS Number: N/A 

Transport Information: NONH for all modes of transport 

WGK Germany: 1

Chemical Identifiers 

Linear Formula: Li2B4O7• xH2O 

Pubchem CID: 71310091 

MDL Number: MFCD02684270 

EC No.: 234-514-3 

IUPAC Name: dilithium; [oxido(oxoboranyl oxy)boranyl]oxy-oxoboranyloxyborinate; hydrate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].B(=O)OB([O-])OB([O-])OB=O.O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/B4O7.2Li.H2O/c5-1-9-3(7)11-4(8)10-2-6;;;/h;;;1H2/q-2;2*+1; 

InchI Key: RZQFSLGJLYJYQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.