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Sigma-Aldrich™ LiChropur™ Boron Trifluoride–Methanol Solution (~10%, ~1.3 M)
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Linear Formula: BF3 · MeOH
Specifications:
| Application | Gas Chromatography, Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Storage Temperature | 2-8°C | ||
| Product Type | Laboratory Chemical | Forms | Solid |
| Product Brand | Sigma-Aldrich | ||
| Product Grade | Analytical grade | ||
The Sigma-Aldrich™ LiChropur™ Boron Trifluoride–Methanol Solution is a high-purity derivatization reagent designed for efficient esterification and transesterification reactions in analytical chemistry, particularly for gas chromatography (GC) workflows.
Formulated at ~10% (~1.3 M) BF₃ in methanol, this reagent functions as a strong Lewis acid catalyst, enabling rapid conversion of fatty acids into their corresponding methyl esters (FAMEs)—a critical step in lipid analysis and environmental testing.
Manufactured under the LiChropur™ quality line by Sigma-Aldrich, this reagent ensures high reproducibility, purity, and compatibility with GC systems.
Key Features & Benefits
1. Highly Efficient Esterification Reagent
- Catalyzes rapid conversion of fatty acids → methyl esters (FAMEs)
- Reaction completion typically within minutes (~2 min)
- Ideal for high-throughput GC sample preparation
2. Optimized for GC Derivatization
- Specifically designed for gas chromatography applications
- Improves volatility and detectability of analytes
- Enhances chromatographic resolution and sensitivity
3. Strong Lewis Acid Catalysis
- Boron trifluoride (BF₃) acts as a powerful esterification catalyst
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Enables efficient derivatization of:
- Fatty acids
- Hydroxy fatty acids
- Organic acids
4. High-Purity LiChropur™ Grade
- Ensures consistent analytical performance
- Minimizes impurities that may interfere with detection
- Suitable for regulated analytical environments
5. Versatile Reaction Applications
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Supports:
- Transesterification of vegetable oils
- Methyl ester formation
- Synthesis of ester derivatives for GC analysis
Applications
- Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) preparation
- Lipid profiling and food analysis
- Environmental sample analysis (soil, water contaminants)
- Biodiesel and vegetable oil transesterification studies
- GC and GC-MS sample derivatization workflows
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Boron Trifluoride–Methanol Solution |
| Brand | LiChropur™ |
| Chemical Formula | BF₃ · MeOH |
| CAS Number | 373-57-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 99.85 g/mol |
| Concentration | ~10% (~1.3 M) |
| Form | Liquid |
| Density | 0.86 g/mL at 20°C |
| Grade | Derivatization Grade (GC) |
| Technique Compatibility | Gas Chromatography (GC), GC-MS |
| Reaction Type | Esterification, Transesterification |
| Storage Temperature | 2–8°C |
Ordering Information
| Pack Size | SKU |
|---|---|
| 1 mL | 15716-1ML |
| 10 mL | 15716-10ML |
| 100 mL | 15716-100ML |
| 250 mL | 15716-250ML |
| 10 × 1 mL | 15716-10X1ML |
| 1 L | 15716-1L |
Mechanism of Action (Scientific Insight)
Boron trifluoride (BF₃) acts as a Lewis acid, facilitating ester formation by:
- Activating the carbonyl group of fatty acids
- Promoting nucleophilic attack by methanol
- Rapidly converting fatty acids into methyl esters (FAMEs)
This transformation is essential for:
- Increasing volatility of analytes
- Improving GC detectability and quantification
Unique Advantages
- Fast reaction kinetics (minutes vs hours for alternative methods)
- High efficiency in FAME preparation workflows
- Compatible with routine and high-throughput GC analysis
- Trusted LiChropur™ analytical quality
- Widely used standard method for lipid and biodiesel analysis
The Sigma-Aldrich™ LiChropur™ Boron Trifluoride–Methanol Solution is a critical reagent for GC derivatization, offering rapid, reliable, and high-efficiency esterification of fatty acids and related compounds. Its analytical-grade purity and proven performance make it an essential tool for laboratories conducting lipid analysis, environmental testing, and chromatographic sample preparation.
- Pack Size: 100 mL 1 mL 250 mL 1 Liter 10 mL 10 x 1 mL