Triethylborane

Triethylborane (CAS 97-94-9), commonly referenced in procurement as TEB, is a pyrophoric organoboron compound used as a radical initiator and catalyst in demanding synthesis and polymerization processes.

Where is Triethylborane used?

• Aerospace and defense: standard ignition initiator for jet engines and scramjet systems
• Polymer manufacturing: radical polymerization initiator for fluoropolymers and specialty resins
• Pharmaceutical and biotech synthesis: boron source and Lewis acid catalyst in carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions, including hydroboration for chiral intermediates
• Polyolefin production: co-catalyst with transition metal complexes in Ziegler-Natta and related systems
• Its reactivity with oxygen makes it a trigger for reactions requiring precise initiation under low-temperature or inert-atmosphere conditions.

Commercial specifications

• Liquid, typically in hydrocarbon solvent solutions at 1 M in hexane or THF
• Neat material for industrial-scale users with appropriate handling infrastructure
• Research and high-purity technical grades