Question

Why is the borane-THF complex used for hydroboration?

Answer 1

Hint: Borane-THF complex is a charge-transfer complex. It is used in the hydroboration process because it is safe and convenient to use. The active ingredient in this complex is borane $ B{H_3} $ . The only problem with this complex is that it has the highly disagreeable smell of rotten cabbage.

Complete answer:
Borane-THF complex is a dipolar bond charge-transfer complex that consists of borane and tetrahydrofuran. Its full name is Borane-tetrahydrofuran complex. The complex can reduce carboxylic acids to alcohols and is a common route for the reduction of amino acids to amino alcohols. It is also used as a source of borane $ (B{H_3}) $ for the formation of adducts.
The Borane-THF complex is used for hydroboration because it is safe and convenient to use.
This complex is also used in the reduction of carboxylic acids to alcohols of nitriles to primary amines. It reacts with olefins to add the $ B{H_2} $ functional group.
In a solution in THF, borane exists as a loose Lewis acid-base complex. This allows the boron to have an octet and makes the reagent more stable.
The complex is commercially available but can also be generated by the dissolution of diborane in THF.
Below is the structure of the Borane-tetrahydrofuran (THF) complex.

Note:
Borane exists naturally as the dimer $ {B_2}{H_6} $ (diborane), but diborane mixes easily with air and forms explosive mixtures. Also, it ignites spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. Thus, the solution is highly sensitive to air and requires the use of air-free techniques.