Application

Petrochemical and Downstream Industry

 

Poly-α-olefines, important lubricant additives, are for the major part produced with BF₃ gas and polymerization catalysts. Many base resins for adhesives, paints and coating are produced in the same way.

 

Pharmaceutical Industry

 

BF3 gas and complexes are used in the synthesis of cephalosporine antibiotics as condensation catalysts and as precursors for diborane based reducing agents.

 

Flavor and Fragrance

 

In the flavor and fragrance industry, BF₃ complexes are widely used to produce temperature sensitive intermediates. BF₃ gas and complexes are very efficient esterification catalysts at low temperatures. The most used BF₃ complex in this industry is BF₃ acetic acid complex followed by the BF₃ tetrahydrofurane and the BF₃ ethyl ether complex.

 

Plastic additives industries

 

Certain polymers stabilizers, such as sterically hindered phenolic anti-oxydants, are made by Friedel & Crafts alkylation. BF₃ gas and complexes are the first choice for catalyst efficiency reasons.