Octet

Octet / Reagents

Boron Trifluoride

Boron Trifluoride (BF₃ (as BF₃·Et₂O)) - catalyst reagent. Lewis acid. Common uses: Epoxide ring opening, Friedel-Crafts reactions, Aldol reactions. Strong Lewis acid. Often used as etherate (BF₃·OEt₂).

Catalyst

Reagent details

Name

Boron Trifluoride

Formula

BF₃ (as BF₃·Et₂O)

Category

Catalyst

Function

Lewis acid

Common Uses

  1. Epoxide ring opening

  2. Friedel-Crafts reactions

  3. Aldol reactions

Notes

Strong Lewis acid. Often used as etherate (BF₃·OEt₂).

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Reagents

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DIBAL-H

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H₂/Pd (Catalytic Hydrogenation) (H₂ + Pd/C) - reducing reagent. Reduction of C=C, C≡C, and some functional groups. Common uses: Alkene → Alkane, Alkyne → Alkane, Nitro → Amine (ArNO₂ → ArNH₂), Benzyl groups removed (hydrogenolysis). Syn addition. Also works w...

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Lindlar Catalyst

Lindlar Catalyst (Pd/CaCO₃/Pb) - reducing reagent. Partial reduction of alkynes to cis-alkenes. Common uses: Alkyne → cis-Alkene (stops at alkene). Poisoned catalyst - lead prevents over-reduction. Syn addition gives cis product.

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Dissolving Metal (Na/NH₃)

Dissolving Metal (Na/NH₃) (Na + NH₃(l)) - reducing reagent. Reduction of alkynes to trans-alkenes. Common uses: Alkyne → trans-Alkene. Birch reduction conditions. Liquid ammonia at -33°C. Radical mechanism gives trans product.

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