You have stated that chemistry is an empirical science. And yet you have undermined the very principles of science with your comments. "Equations schmequations". You seem to be under the impression that a working method must be produced prior to proving an equation to be sound. This is not true. Do you think that einstein came up with the theory of relativity with practical observation? I can only be amused at the foolish responses this has generated. Can one not use inductive reasoning for such determinations based upon the information given? Primo, buddy, why have you not chimed in? However, after getting some sleep I am quite happy to walk you through it, and provide some references for your better understanding.
The first principle in proving that this equation is correct would be the reaction of B(OH)3, otherwise known as orthoboric, under basic conditions, to form B(OH)4. Orthoboric is not amphoteric, it's actually a weak acid. This can be proven with the concepts of mathematics and electronegativity, and shown with equations:
B(OH)3(aq) + H+(aq) = NO REACTION (B(OH)3 is already acidic)
B(OH)3(s or aq) + OH-(aq) = B(OH)4- (aq)
You may consult http://www.chem.uwa.edu.au/enrolled_students/Chem100/Chem100_sect2/sect2.3.3.1.html
for a different variation of this equation which demonstrates the same thing.
And I will also quote:
http://artsandscience.concordia.ca/facstaff/A-C/BIRD/c242/notes_ch12-cwp.html
"B2O3 and B(OH)3 are acidic rather like SiO2 and Si(OH)4 whereas the Al compounds are weakly amphoteric"
Furthermore the ionic properties of sodium also through similar forms of mathematics can be shown to form a salt with said B(OH)4, to form NaB(OH)4.
Now the second principle which seems hard for you folks to grasp is the equalibrium of:
NaBH4 + H2O <=> NaB(OH)4 + H2
BH4-, is a tetrahedral compound in which all hydrogens are magnetically equivalent. NMR spectra would show a 1:1:1:1 resonance. Might I also point out that the electrolytic conversion of hydroxides to hydrides is also well documented and proven.
Furthermore the reaction of sodium with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen is also proven, but it occured to me that the process of electrolytic reduction would also create NaH from NaOH in the process and the NaH would react with the water to form NaOH and more hydrogen, so this already occurs with the electrolytic method which would be superior.
NaH + H2O --> NaOH + H2
Now if at this point you cannot see the
established method for the creation of sodium borohydride from orthoboric than you are either a fool, a moron, or you need to find references on electrolysis. The reaction as a whole is proven as the sum of it's parts.
Electrolysis is not a difficult procedure, and a writeup would be more than simple as all the neccessary variables are documented and can be referenced without further experimentation. The experiment would be carried out in an anhydrous polar solvent, to facilitate the dissociation of ionic compounds and inhibit the violent reaction with water.
Rest assured your concern for my health has been noted, moo. However, the handling of hydrides and hydrogen gas emissions is trusted even by universities to the average college sophmore. This reaction is only dangerous if you do not know what you are doing, or are working without the proper equipment.
Of course, your comments on criticism in the scientific method are correct. However this is just about as applicable as your analogy of carbon shifts to chemical reactivity. When one criticizes an argument it is customary to produce a
counter-argument.
IE I have sat here and given you all the reasons why it works, and unless you can come up with a solid reason why it does not work then you have no place in the conversation, and roundabout analogies and the teasing of asshole couch moderators only serves to cloud the scientific process.
Like I said we need more teamwork. The process of production is obvious to anyone with an education in chemistry. The only thing left in question is the yeilds. The Hive is beginning to show a lack in it's academia. These concepts are obvious to anyone who is familiar with hydrogen fuel cell research. Are we all but pathetic cooks who must wait to slobber all over writeups when the answers are right under our noses?
Here all my ultimatums to all Hive bees who wish to post anything besides questions in the chemistry discourses:
You need to learn new reactions as they appear.
You need to know mechanisms.
You need some basic principles of reactions.
You need to be creative.
You should not place limitations on what the Hive can acheive as a collective academic force.
No, this is not in the search engine. No, this is not in Sam's patent database. Flip has devised a method of producing NaBH4 from over the counter materials that was previously unheard of on the hive.
Pr(+)tium
