| abstract |
A family of borate compounds containing an isolated (finite) nonaborate anion with the structural formula [B 9 O 12 (OH) 6 ] 3− . Preferred amine nonaborate compounds have a resolved oxide formula of A 2 O.3B 2 O 3 .2H 2 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. |