Borate complexes anhydrous compounds

Borate salts or complexes of virtually every metal have been prepared. For most metals, a series of hydrated and anhydrous compounds maybe obtained by varying the starting materials and/or reaction conditions. Some have achieved commercial importance. 

Boron (B, at. mass 10.81) is a metalloid with properties somewhat similar to those of silicon. In chemical analysis, only boron(III) compounds are of importance. Boron forms complexes with fluoride and polyalcohols (e.g., mannitol and glycerol). In an anhydrous medium, boric acid reacts with methanol to form the volatile trimethyl borate. 

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