Editing Metalloid (section)

===Catalysts===
[[Boron trifluoride]] and [[boron trichloride|trichloride]] are used as homogeneous [[catalyst]]s in organic synthesis and electronics; the [[boron tribromide|tribromide]] is used in the manufacture of [[diborane]].<ref>[[#Perry|Perry 2011, p.&nbsp;74]]</ref> Non-toxic boron [[ligand]]s could replace toxic phosphorus ligands in some transition metal catalysts.<ref>[[#UCR|UCR Today 2011]]; [[#Wang|Wang & Robinson 2011]]; [[#Kinjo|Kinjo et al. 2011]]</ref> [[Silica sulfuric acid]] (SiO<sub>2</sub>OSO<sub>3</sub>H) is used in organic reactions.<ref>[[#Kauthale|Kauthale et al. 2015]]</ref> Germanium dioxide is sometimes used as a catalyst in the production of [[Polyethylene terephthalate|PET]] plastic for containers;<ref>[[#Gunn|Gunn 2014, pp.&nbsp;188, 191]]</ref> cheaper antimony compounds, such as the trioxide or [[antimony triacetate|triacetate]], are more commonly employed for the same purpose<ref>[[#Gupta|Gupta, Mukherjee & Cameotra 1997, p.&nbsp;280]]; [[#Thomas2012|Thomas & Visakh 2012, p.&nbsp;99]]</ref> despite concerns about antimony contamination of food and drinks.<ref>[[#Muncke|Muncke 2013]]</ref> Arsenic trioxide has been used in the production of [[natural gas]], to boost the removal of [[carbon dioxide]], as have [[selenous acid]] and [[tellurous acid]].<ref>[[#Mokhatab|Mokhatab & Poe 2012, p.&nbsp;271]]</ref> Selenium acts as a catalyst in some microorganisms.<ref>[[#Craig|Craig, Eng & Jenkins 2003, p.&nbsp;25]]</ref> Tellurium, its dioxide, and its [[tellurium tetrachloride|tetrachloride]] are strong catalysts for air oxidation of carbon above 500&nbsp;°C.<ref>[[#McKee|McKee 1984]]</ref> [[Graphite oxide]] can be used as a catalyst in the synthesis of [[imine]]s and their derivatives.<ref>[[#Hai|Hai et al. 2012]]</ref> [[Activated carbon]] and [[alumina]] have been used as catalysts for the removal of sulfur contaminants from natural gas.<ref>[[#Kohl|Kohl & Nielsen 1997, pp.&nbsp;699–700]]</ref> [[Titanium]] doped aluminium has been suggested as a substitute for [[noble metal]] catalysts used in the production of industrial chemicals.<ref>[[#Chopra|Chopra et al. 2011]]</ref>