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This is a fantastic experiment. I have used it to reinforce a variety of different topics;
The reaction at play here is:
B(OH)3(s) + 3CH3OH(l) → B(H3CO)3(l) + 3H2O(l)
Show this reaction to your class with and without the addition of a few drops of Conc. Sulphuric Acid. The Sulphuric acid “removes” the water causing the position of equilibrium to shift as to oppose that change. This produces more of the incredibly volatile B(H3CO)3(l) which you can see by observing the intense green colour. Brilliant!
If you have any other ideas or comments regarding this reaction please email me and I will add them here.
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