Structure and stability of gold-substituted diborane, boranes, and borohydride ions

Pseudopotential ab initio calculations were performed for species of the type BH _n (AuPH₃) _m ^k , where n+m=3 or 4, and the charge k is −2,…,+1. Some derivatives of these and diaurated diboranes were also studied. The structural data agree well with the available experimental evidence. Factors affecting the stability of these systems, including the role of aurophilic attraction, are discussed. The singly charged anions and the diaurated diboranes are predicted to be the most stable members of these series. Received: 22 January 1999 / Accepted: 2 June 1999 / Published online: 4 October 1999