Preface

Boron is a chemical element with three valence electrons that can form many new compounds with unique physical, chemical, and electrical properties by incorporating them with other atoms. Boron is a semimetal that is found in low amounts both in the solar system and in the Earth's crust. It is produced by cosmic rays and high-energy radiation from supernovae that impact boron-containing minerals. Naturally occurring boron is found within chemical compounds such as borate minerals; however, the elemental form is not found because of its high reactivity. Also, high-purity boron is difficult to produce industrially because of contamination by carbon and other elements at high temperatures. Boron has several allotropes, including amorphous boron, a dark brown powder, and crystalline boron, a black material with a melting point above 2000°C, which is extremely hard and weakly conductive at room temperature but a good conductor at high temperatures.

Boron, in synthetic chemistry and research chemicals, is a significant component of reducing agents such as sodium borohydride and borane. In the Corey–Bakshi–Shitaba catalyst used to asymmetrically reduce ketones, boron plays dual roles as a hydride source and a Lewis acid. Boron's Lewis acid properties result from an empty p-orbital, which confers electron-accepting abilities, such as in the familiar boron trifluoride used as a Lewis acid catalyst. Boronic acids and esters are key organic building blocks in synthetic chemistry. These oxygen- and carbon-containing boron compounds are important cross-coupling partners in palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions. They also play a critical role in various fields, including small molecule synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biomedical sciences, material science, electronic devices, nuclear industry, and fire retardants.

The advancements in particle beam therapy have led to the development of treatment methods (such as boron neutron capture therapy, proton-boron capture therapy, and light ion beam therapy), which show promise in the treatment of malignant tumors. Boron and its compounds are utilized in these therapies and have diverse applications as anticancer agents, antimicrobial agents, and components of imaging agents for optical and nuclear imaging. These developments contribute to the progress of medical science and offer new possibilities for effective and targeted treatment approaches. Additionally, boron and boron compounds find applications in radiation-shielding materials. Due to their excellent neutron-absorption properties, boron-based materials are utilized in the construction of shielding materials for radiation protection. They help attenuate and absorb neutron radiation, reducing the potential risks associated with radiation exposure. Furthermore, the rapid development of nanoscience and nanotechnology has inspired scientists to investigate new features of boron nanostructures such as boron-containing nanotubes, nanowires, nanosheets, and nanocomposites, among others. These novel structures have found applications in energy conversion, hydrogen storage, batteries, catalysts, capping agents, electronics, superconductors, mechanically strong components, agriculture, nanomedicine, cancer research, and much more.

The book contains seven chapters, each focusing on the design and development of relevant boron compounds and their corresponding applications in diverse fields. The chapters are organized into two sections.

Section 1, "Role and Applications of Boron and Its Compounds in Biomedicine, Health and Agriculture" includes three chapters. Chapter 1, "Physical, Biological, and Clinical Merits of High Energy Boron Ions for Radiation Therapy", explores the advantages and applications of high-energy boron ions in radiation therapy, particularly for cancer treatment. It discusses the physical properties of boron ions, their biological effects on cancer cells, and the potential clinical benefits of targeted radiation therapy. Chapter 2, "Boron Removal by Donnan Dialysis According Doehlert Experimental Design", examines the use of Donnan dialysis and the Doehlert experimental design to remove boron from solutions. The focus is on optimizing the dialysis process parameters for efficient boron removal, which may have implications for industrial processes or wastewater treatment. Chapter 3, "Boron Nutrition in Horticultural Crops: Constraint Diagnosis and Their Management", discusses the importance of boron in the nutrition of horticultural crops, such as fruits and vegetables. It may cover diagnosing boron deficiencies or toxicities in these crops and strategies for managing these issues to ensure optimal growth and yield.

Section 2, "Role and Applications of Boron and Its Compounds in Industrial and Nanotechnology Fields", includes four chapters. Chapter 4, "Boron and Boron Compounds in Radiation Shielding Materials", explores the use of boron and boron-based compounds in the development of radiation-shielding materials. These materials are essential for protecting against radiation in various applications, including nuclear power plants and medical facilities. Chapter 5, "Some Features of Boron Isotopes Separation by Laser-Assisted Retardation of Condensation Method", discusses the separation of boron isotopes using the laser-assisted retardation of condensation method. Isotope separation is crucial for various applications, and the use of lasers in the process may offer advantages in terms of precision and efficiency. Chapter 6, "Effect of Capping Agents on the Nanoscale Metal Borate Synthesis", examines the influence of capping agents on the synthesis of nanoscale metal borates. Capping agents play a critical role in controlling the size and properties of nanoparticles during their formation, making them important for applications in catalysis and nanocomposite materials. Finally, Chapter 7, "Numerical Simulation of the Mechanical Behaviour of Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Nanotubes", discusses using numerical simulations, such as Nanoscale Continuum Modelling (NCM) or Molecular Structural Mechanics (MSM) approaches, to investigate the mechanical properties of boron nitride nanosheets and nanotubes. Understanding their mechanical behavior is crucial for potential applications in nanotechnology, electronics, and composite materials.

This book offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the developments and applications of boron and boron compounds in various fields. It is a useful resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, and students interested in these fields, providing them with essential insights and knowledge to advance their work and studies.

I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the contributing authors who are experts in their research fields: Brahme Anders, Marzouk Trifi Ikhlass, Lasaad Dammak, Lassaad Baklouti, Bechair Hamrouni, Pauline Alila, Ahmet Hakan Yilmaz,

**V**

Bülend Ortaç, Sevil Savaskan Yilmaz, Lyakhov Konstantin, Senberber Dumanli Fatma Tugce, Nataliya A. Sakharova, Jorge M. Antunes, Andre F. G. Pereira, Bruno M. Chaparro, and Jose V. Fernandes. I would also like to thank the staff at IntechOpen for their constant support throughout the planning and compilation of this book. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my beloved wife Oya Aydın for her

> **Metin Aydin** Faculty of Science,

> > Samsun, Turkey

Department of Chemistry, Ondokuz Mayıs University,

unflinching understanding and patience.

Bülend Ortaç, Sevil Savaskan Yilmaz, Lyakhov Konstantin, Senberber Dumanli Fatma Tugce, Nataliya A. Sakharova, Jorge M. Antunes, Andre F. G. Pereira, Bruno M. Chaparro, and Jose V. Fernandes. I would also like to thank the staff at IntechOpen for their constant support throughout the planning and compilation of this book. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my beloved wife Oya Aydın for her unflinching understanding and patience.

> **Metin Aydin** Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey

**1**

Section 1

Role and Applications

of Boron and Its Compounds

in Biomedicine, Health and

Agriculture

### Section 1
