Answer to Question #154061 in Inorganic Chemistry for Hasnain naqvi

Question

What happened when Diborane (B2H6) heated at 250 C

Answer 1

First I am not sure whether the temperature is 25^oC or 250^oCYour question does not specify whether Diborane is heated in a vacuum or in the air. However, I will try to answer it exhaustively.

If the temperature is 25^oC and there is air present: Diborane will auto-ignite spontaneously in air and burn to form boron trioxide and water.

2B₂H6 + 6O₂ $\implies$ 2B₂O₃ + 6H₂O

The remaining can also react violently with the water produced to give boric acid and hydrogen.

If the temperature is 25^oC and there is no air, diborane will decompose slowly into hydrogen and higher boranes. Decomposition is accelerated at higher temperatures.

If the temperature is 250⁰C, diborane will decompose to boron and hydrogen.