Question

The reaction/s which represent the production of diborane on an industrial scale is/are:
I. 4BF$_3$ + 3LiAlH$_4$ → 2B$_2$H$_6$ + 3LiF + 3AlF$_3$
II. 2NaBH$_4$ + I$_2$ → B$_2$H$_6$ + 2NaI + H$_2$
III. 2BF$_3$ + 6NaH → B$_2$H$_6$ + 6NaF

• A. III only
• B. I, II only
• C. I only
• D. I, III only

Hint:

Remember: B$_2$H$_6$ is produced by reduction of BF$_3$ using LiAlH$_4$ or NaBH$_4$, not by simple reaction with NaH.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Industrial production of diborane (B$_2$H$_6$) commonly uses the reduction of BF$_3$ with metal hydrides. Reaction I uses LiAlH$_4$ and Reaction II uses NaBH$_4$. Reaction III is less practical industrially. Therefore, I and II are correct reactions.