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.

Its reactivity with oxygen makes it a controlled but highly effective trigger for reactions that require precise initiation under low-temperature or inert-atmosphere conditions.

In aerospace and defense, TEB is the standard ignition initiator for jet engines and scramjet systems, where reliable ignition at extreme conditions is critical to program qualification.

Polymer manufacturers use it to initiate radical polymerization of fluoropolymers and specialty resins, particularly where conventional peroxide initiators fail to perform.

Pharmaceutical and biotech synthesis teams employ TEB as a boron source and Lewis acid catalyst in carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions, including hydroboration sequences for chiral intermediate production.

It also functions as a co-catalyst with transition metal complexes in Ziegler-Natta and related polymerization systems for polyolefin production across various industrial sectors.

Triethylborane is supplied as a liquid, typically in hydrocarbon solvent solutions at concentrations of 1 M in hexane or THF, suited for controlled dispensing in sensitive reactions.

Neat material is available for industrial-scale users with appropriate handling infrastructure. Supply is generally positioned at research and high-purity technical grades for global distribution.