The reaction of Mg borides with O (or air), N and C was monitored by means of weight-change measurements of 1g-specimens. It was found that, in air, the change in weight increased with temperature and time. The stability at 400 to 600C decreased in the order: MgB12 – MgB6 – MgB2. None of the borides reacted with N at up to 1000 to 1300C. Nitrides formed only after the decomposition of borides. The borides did not react with graphite at up to 1800C.

Chemical Properties of Magnesium Borides and their Role in the Preparation of Boron by the Magnesium-Thermal Method. L.Y.Markovskii, G.V.Kaputoskaya: Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, 1962, 35, 723-9