| abstract |
A family of borate compounds containing an isolated (finite) nonaborate anion with the structural formula [B<SUB>9</SUB>O<SUB>12</SUB>(OH)<SUB>6</SUB>]<SUP>3-</SUP>. Preferred amine nonaborate compounds have a resolved oxide formula of A<SUB>2</SUB>O.3B<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>.2H<SUB>2</SUB>O, where A is the monovalent cation of an amine salt, such as guanidinium and imidazolium. Also provided is a method for preparing these compounds by crystallization from an aqueous solution under mild conditions without the formation of significant amounts of by-products. These compounds have potential application as precursors for the production of advanced boron nitride ceramic materials, and as flame retardants, corrosion inhibitors, and biocides. |