Potassium 4-n-nonylphenyltrifluoroborate

Description

Potassium 4-n-nonylphenyltrifluoroborate is a potassium organotrifluoroborate – the tetracoordinate, air-stable counterpart of the corresponding boronic acid, built on a benzene core with a nonyl chain.

The practical argument for a trifluoroborate is stoichiometric honesty. Boronic acids equilibrate with their cyclic anhydrides (boroxines) and carry variable water, so a weighed sample is of uncertain composition. The trifluoroborate is a defined crystalline salt: it weighs what it is, tolerates air and moisture on the bench, and releases the active boron species only under the hydrolytic conditions of the reaction itself.

Key data

• Molecular formula: C15H23BF3K
• Molecular weight: 310.25 g/mol
• Category: Potassium Trifluoroborates

What the substitution pattern does

The nonyl chain places this compound at n=9 in its homologous series. Chain length is not a cosmetic variable here: each added methylene lowers the melting point unevenly and shifts the balance between nematic and smectic order, because an odd-numbered chain sets its terminal bond at a different angle to the molecular long axis than an even one. Homologues therefore alternate in behaviour rather than trending smoothly, and an odd-numbered member frequently outperforms both of its neighbours for a given formulation.

At this chain length the aliphatic volume starts to dominate. Long chains favour layered smectic packing over the nematic phase and increase solubility in non-polar media, which matters as much for work-up as for the final material.

Typical applications

• smectic-phase studies where a long terminal chain is required
• preparation of fluorinated biphenyls for display-grade liquid crystal blends
• Suzuki-Miyaura coupling where a weighable, non-hygroscopic boron source is required
• multi-step sequences in which the boron handle must survive earlier steps untouched
• reactions run in air, on the open bench, without glovebox handling

Ordering

This compound is supplied to order. Pricing depends on quantity and on the specification you need, so it is quoted rather than listed – send an enquiry stating the quantity and any purity or analytical requirement, and you will receive a written quotation.

Handling and documentation

Supplied for laboratory and industrial use by trained personnel only. Not for use as a medicine, food, cosmetic or biocide, and not for administration to humans or animals. Safety documentation is issued with the order; this page is not a source of hazard information.