COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INTERACTION OF BORATE ION WITH VARIOUS POLYOLS

Although it is now generally accepted that borate ion, B(OH)4-, reacts with suitable polyols in aqueous solution to form two types of complexes with strongly acidic properties (1), several investigators have presented evidence to show the formation of two types of complexes is stoichiometrically unsatisfactory (2,3). Aside from its usefulness in structural studies, the reaction has important implications in numerous biochemical applications. Many compounds of biological importance contain hydroxyl groups in positions favorable for reaction with borate ion. As an extension of previous work (4) we report here the determination of solution stability constants of borate ion complexes with several biologically important polyols by means of a pH method and in two instances a calorimetric method. © 1979.