Pentaborane, also called pentaboron nonahydride, stable pentaborane, or pentaborane(9) (to distinguish it from B5H11), is a chemical compound considered in the 1950s as a good prospect for a rocket or jet fuel by both the U.S. and Russian armed services, a so-called "exotic fuel". Its chemical structure is that of five atoms of boron compounded with nine atoms of hydrogen (B5H9); it is one of the boranes. Because simple boron compounds burn with ...
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Pentaborane, also called pentaboron nonahydride, stable pentaborane, or pentaborane(9) (to distinguish it from B5H11), is a chemical compound considered in the 1950s as a good prospect for a rocket or jet fuel by both the U.S. and Russian armed services, a so-called "exotic fuel". Its chemical structure is that of five atoms of boron compounded with nine atoms of hydrogen (B5H9); it is one of the boranes. Because simple boron compounds burn with a characteristic green flame, the nickname for this fuel in the U.S. industry was "Green Dragon".
Pentaborane is a colorless mobile liquid with a strong pungent odor (resembling garlic, acetylene, or sour milk). Above 30 °C it can form explosive concentration of vapors with air. Its vapors are heavier than air. It is pyrophoric - can ignite spontaneously in contact with air, when even slightly impure. It can also readily form shock sensitive explosive compounds, and reacts violently with some fire suppressants, notably with halocarbons and...
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