Formula AlB12 Density 2.56 g/cm³ | Molar mass 156.714 g/mol Appearance Yellow to black solid | |
Aluminium dodecaboride (AlB12) is a chemical compound made from the metal aluminium and the non-metal boron. It is one of two chemical compounds that are commonly called aluminium boride; the other is aluminium diboride, AlB2.
Contents
Properties
There are two crystalline forms, α-AlB12, and γ-AlB12. Both forms are very similar and consist of a framework with three-dimensional networks of B12 and B20 units. The phase β-AlB12 is now believed to be the ternary boride C2Al3B48.
Preparation
The β-form can be prepared by the reaction of boron(III) oxide with sulfur and aluminum, then adding carbon to the mixture.
Uses
AlB12 is used as a grinding compound to replace diamond or corundum.
References
Aluminium dodecaboride Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA