| Abstract: | The present invention describes the synthesis of a family of metal
bis(borano) hypophosphite complexes. One procedure described in detail is
the syntheses of complexes beginning from phosphorus trichloride and
sodium borohydride. Temperature, solvent, concentration, and atmosphere
are all critical to ensure product formation. In the case of sodium
bis(borano) hypophosphite, hydrogen gas was evolved upon heating at
temperatures above 150.degree. C. Included in this family of materials
are the salts of the alkali metals Li, Na and K, and those of the
alkaline earth metals Mg and Ca. Hydrogen storage materials are possible.
In particular the lithium salt, Li[PH.sub.2(BH.sub.3).sub.2],
theoretically would contain nearly 12 wt % hydrogen. Analytical data for
product characterization and thermal properties are given. |