Boron: Elementary Challenge for Experimenters and Theoreticians

Many of the fundamental questions regarding the solid‐state chemistry of boron are still unsolved, more than 200 years after its discovery. Recently, theoretical work on the existence and stability of known and new modifications of the element combined with high‐pressure and high‐temperature experiments have revealed new aspects. A lot has also happened over the last few years in the field of reactions between boron and main group elements. Binary compounds such as B₆O, MgB₂, LiB_1?x, Na₃B₂₀, and CaB₆ have caused much excitement, but the electron‐precise, colorless boride carbides Li₂B₁₂C₂, LiB₁₃C₂, and MgB₁₂C₂ as well as the graphite analogue BeB₂C₂ also deserve special attention. Physical properties such as hardness, superconductivity, neutron scattering length, and thermoelectricity have also made boron‐rich compounds attractive to materials research and for applications. The greatest challenges to boron chemistry, however, are still the synthesis of monophasic products in macroscopic quantities and in the form of single crystals, the unequivocal identification and determination of crystal structures, and a thorough understanding of their electronic situation. Linked polyhedra are the dominating structural elements of the boron‐rich compounds of the main group elements. In many cases, their structures can be derived from those that have been assigned to modifications of the element. Again, even these require a critical revision and discussion.     

Structural and energetic exploration of a boron‐rich sulfide cluster B6S

Boron and mixed‐boron clusters have received considerable attention because of their wide applications and their essential roles in advancing chemical bonding models. Bearing the bright prospects as building blocks to form novel polymeric materials, the sulfur‐rich boron sulfides have been greatly studied. However, the knowledge of the boron‐rich boron sulfides is much rare. In this article, we report an extensive theoretical study on the structural, energetic, and stability features of a hitherto unknown septa‐atomic cluster B₆S at the CCSD(T)/6‐311+G(2df)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d) level. The local minimum isomers were obtained through our recently developed program “grid‐based comprehensive isomeric search algorithm.” The results show that the planar knife‐like isomer B₅(?BS) 01 (0.0 kcal/mol) containing the ?BS moiety is the lowest energy, followed by the quasi‐planar belt‐like isomer B₆(>S) 02 (6.7 kcal/mol) and the pyramid‐like isomer B₆(>S) 03 (8.4 kcal/mol). Notably, the three singlet isomers all have good kinetic stability on the basis of the potential energy surface analysis. The B/S‐centered wheel‐like isomers are unfavorable in thermodynamics and kinetics. The triplet state structures generally can not compete with the singlet ones. The results are compared to the analogous and isoelectronic cluster B₆O. Our work is expected to provide useful information for understanding the structures and stability of boron sulfides. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012     

Li2B12 and Li3B12: Prediction of the Smallest Tubular and Cage‐like Boron Structures

An intriguing structural transition from the quasi‐planar form of B₁₂ cluster upon the interaction with lithium atoms is reported. High‐level computations show that the lowest energy structures of LiB₁₂, Li₂B₁₂, and Li₃B₁₂ have quasi‐planar (C_s), tubular (D_6d), and cage‐like (C_s) geometries, respectively. The energetic cost of distorting the B₁₂ quasi‐planar fragment is overcompensated by an enhanced electrostatic interaction between the Li cations and the tubular or cage‐like B₁₂ fragments, which is the main reason of such drastic structural changes, resulting in the smallest tubular (Li₂B₁₂) and cage‐like (Li₃B₁₂) boron structures reported to date.     

Tetraiododiborane(4) (B2I4) is a Polymer Based on sp3 Boron in the Solid State

Herein we present the first solid‐state structures of tetraiododiborane(4) (B₂I₄), which was long believed to exist in all phases as discrete molecules with planar, tricoordinate boron atoms, like the lighter tetrahalodiboranes(4) B₂F₄, B₂Cl₄, and B₂Br₄. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state NMR, and IR measurements indicate that B₂I₄ in fact exists as two different polymeric forms in the solid state, both of which feature boron atoms in tetrahedral environments. DFT calculations are used to simulate the IR spectra of the solution and solid‐state structures, and these are compared with the experimental spectra.     

Opening a New Series of Calcium Boridecarbides with Heterographene Nets by Ca1–x(B,C)6 and Ca1–x(B,C)8 – Two Members of the (CaB2)Cn Compound Series

Ca_1–xB₂C₄ (x ~ 0.08) and Ca_1–xB₂C₆ (x ~ 0.04) are two compounds containing heterographene‐B,C nets which were prepared by solid state synthesis and structurally characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction data. Both compounds crystallize in the space group P6/ mmm (No. 191). The lattice constants are a = 4.55971(5) Å and c = 4.4020(1) Å for CaB₂C₄ and a = 2.58390(5) Å, c = 4.43597(8) Å for CaB₂C₆. The calcium atoms are intercalated between the heterographene (B,C) nets. The calcium atom distribution in Ca_1–xB₂C₆ is disordered, leading to diffuse scattering. A model for this disorder was developed that matches well the observed diffuse scattering observed in the electron diffraction pattern. For Ca_1–xB₂C₆ and its decomposition products magnetic and electric properties are being reported.     

Raman scattering study of calcium hexaboride

We report significant difference in the Raman spectra of two different kinds of CaB₆ single crystals grown from boron purity 99.9% (3N) or 99.9999% (6N), respectively. Our Raman spectra of CaB₆ (3N), which are similar to those of previous measurement [N. Ogita, S. Nagai, N. Okamoto, M. Udagawa, F. Iga, M. Sera, J. Akimitsu, S. Kunii, Phys. Rev. B 68 (2003) 224305], show peaks at 781.3 cm⁻¹ (T_2g), 1140.1 cm⁻¹ (E_g), and 1283.5 cm⁻¹ (A_1g). The E_g mode shows a characteristic double-peak feature due to an additional weak broad peak centered at 1156.0 cm⁻¹. However, the Raman spectra of CaB₆ (6N) show sharp peaks at 772.5 cm⁻¹ (T_2g), 1137.9 cm⁻¹ (E_g), and 1266.6 cm⁻¹ (A_1g). The peak frequencies are down shifted as much as 17 cm⁻¹. In addition, no additional peak feature is observed for the E_g mode so that the mode is symmetric in the case of CaB₆ (6N). The X-ray powder diffraction patterns for both CaB₆ (3N) and CaB₆ (6N) show that the lattice parameters are essentially the same. The majority of the impurity in the 99.9% (3N) boron is assessed to be C. Thus we prepared Ca(B_0.995C_0.005)₆, CaB₆ (6N) doped with C, and looked for the difference in the Raman spectra. The Raman spectra of Ca(B_0.995C_0.005)₆ are nearly identical to those of CaB₆ (6N), indicating that the difference in the Raman spectra of CaB₆ (3N) and CaB₆ (6N) is not due to C impurity. However, presence of impurity, even if small amount, seems to be enough to trigger local-structure changes to lower symmetry inducing the difference in Raman spectra of CaB₆ (3N) and CaB₆ (6N).     

Prediction of Boron–Boron Triple‐Bond Polymers Stabilized by Janus‐Type Bis(N‐heterocyclic) Carbenes

A class of polymeric compounds containing boron–boron triple bonds stabilized by N‐heterocyclic biscarbenes is proposed. Since a triply bonded B₂ is related to its third excited state, the predicted macromolecule would be composed by several units of an electronically excited first‐row homonuclear dimer. Moreover, it is shown that the replacement of biscarbene with N₂ or CO as spacers could change the bonding profile of the boron–boron units to a cumulene‐like structure. Based on these results, different types of diboryne polymers are proposed, which could lead to an unprecedented set of boron materials with distinct physical properties. The novel diboryne macromolecules could be synthesized by the reaction of Janus‐type biscarbenes with tetrabromodiborane, B₂Br₄, and sodium naphthalenide, [Na(C₁₀H₈)], similarly to Braunschweig’s work on the room temperature stable boron–boron triple bond compounds (Science, 2012 , 336, 1420).     

Iodinated ortho‐Carboranes as Versatile Building Blocks to Design Intermolecular Interactions in Crystal Lattices

The crystal structures of numerous iodinated ortho‐carboranes have been studied, which has revealed the diversity of intermolecular interactions that these substances can adopt in the solid state. The nature—mostly as it relates to hydrogen and/or halogen bonds—and relative strength of such interactions can be adjusted by selectively introducing substituents onto the cluster, thus enabling the rational design of crystal lattices. In this work we present the newly determined crystal structures of the following iodinated ortho‐carboranes: 9‐I‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁, 4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12‐I₈‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₄, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12‐I₁₀‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₂, 1‐Me‐8,9,10,12‐I₄‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₇, 1,2‐Me₂‐8,9,10,12‐I₄‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₆, and 1,2‐Ph₂‐8,9,10,12‐I₄‐1,2‐closo‐C₂B₁₀H₆. Their 3D supramolecular organization has been thoroughly investigated and compared to similar previously published crystal structures. Such a systematic survey has allowed us to draw some general trends. C_c? H???I? B hydrogen bonds (C_c= cluster carbon atoms) appear to be significant in the growth of the crystal lattices of these compounds, given the acidity of hydrogen atoms bonded to C_c, and the polarization of B? I bonds. These hydrogen bonds can be disrupted by selectively blocking the positions next to C_c, that is, B(3) and B(6), with bulky substituents that prevent iodine atoms from approaching as hydrogen acceptors. Halogen bonds of the type B? I???I? B are frequently observed in most cases, thus suggesting that these interactions could be attractive in boron clusters. In addition, different substituents can be grafted onto the ortho‐carborane surface, thereby providing further possibilities for homomeric or heteromeric molecular assembly.     

MgNB9, a new magnesium nitridoboride

The structure of a new magnesium nitridoboride, MgNB₉, has been refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data. The Mg and N atoms lie on sites with crystallographic 3m symmetry. The structure consists of two layers alternating along the c axis. The NB₆ layer, with B₁₂ icosahedra, has the C₂B₁₃ structure type. Within this layer, boron icosahedra are bonded to N atoms, each coordinating to three boron polyhedra. Another MgB₃ layer, with B₆ octahedra, does not belong to any known structure type. The boron icosahedra and octahedra are connected to each other, thus forming a three‐dimensional boron framework.     

The Triboracyclopropenyl Dianion: The Lightest Possible Main‐Group‐Element Hückel π Aromatic

Hückel π aromaticity is typically a domain of carbon‐rich compounds. Only very few analogues with non‐carbon frameworks are currently known, all involving the heavier elements. The isolation of the triboracyclopropenyl dianion is presented, a boron‐based analogue of the cyclopropenyl cation, which belongs to the prototypical class of Hückel π aromatics. Reduction of Cl₂BNCy₂ by sodium metal produced [B₃(NCy₂)₃]^2?, which was isolated as its dimeric Na⁺ salt (Na₄[B₃(NCy₂)₃]₂?2 DME; 1 ) in 45 % yield and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry measurements established an extremely high oxidation potential for 1 (E_pc=?2.42 V), which was further confirmed by reactivity studies. The Hückel‐type π aromatic character of the [B₃(NCy₂)₃]^2? dianion was verified by various theoretical methods, which clearly indicated π aromaticity for the B₃ core of a similar magnitude to that in [C₃H₃]⁺ and benzene.     

Contrast of Bonding and Characters for C6, B3N3, C6H6 and B3N3H6 Molecules

Through integrative consideration of NICS, MO, MOC and NBO, we precisely investigated delocalization and bonding characters of C₆, C₆H₆, B₃N₃ and B₃N₃H₆ molecules. Firstly, we originally discovered and testified that C₆ cluster was sp² hybridization. Negative NICS values in 0 and 1 Å indicated that C₆ had δ and Π aromaticity. Secondly, B₃N₃ with sp² hybridization had obvious δ aromaticity. Finally, WBI values approved that there were delocalization in C₆, C₆H₆ and B₃N₃ molecules, but B₃N₃H₆ structure did not have delocalization with the WBI 1.0. Moreover, total WBI values of carbon, boron and nitrogen atoms were four, three and three, respectively. Namely, the electrons of B₃N₃H₆ and B₃N₃ were localized in nitrogen atoms and they did not form delocalized bonding. In a word, bonding characters of carbon, boron and nitrogen atoms were dissimilar although the molecules composed of carbon, boron and nitrogen were regarded as isoelectronic structures.     

Hexahalodiborate Dianions: A New Family of Binary Boron Halides

The electron‐precise binary boron subhalide species [B₂X₆]^2? X=F, Br, I) were synthesized and their structures confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The existence of the previously claimed [B₂Cl₆]^2?, which had been questioned, was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The dianions are isoelectronic to hexahaloethanes, are subhalide analogues of the well‐known tetrahaloborate anions (BX₄^?), and are rare examples of molecular electron‐precise binary boron species beyond B₂X₄, BX₃, and [BX₄]^?.     

The Boron Conundrum: Which Principles Underlie the Formation of Large Hollow Boron Cages?

Extensive optimisation calculations are performed for the B₈₀ isomers in order to find out which principles underlie the formation of large hollow boron cages. Our analysis shows that the most stable isomers contain triangular B₁₀ or rhombohedral B₁₆ building blocks. The lowest‐energy isomer has C_3v symmetry and is characterised by a belt of three interconnected B₁₆ units and two separate B₁₀ units. At the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory, this newly discovered isomer is 2.29, 1.48, and 0.54 eV below the leapfrog B₈₀ of Szwacki et al., the T_h‐B₈₀ of Wang, and the D_3d‐B₈₀ of Pochet et al., respectively. Our C_3v isomer is therefore identified as the most stable hollow cage isomer of B₈₀ presently known. Its HOMO–LUMO gap of 1.6 eV approaches that of the leapfrog B₈₀. The leapfrog principle still remains a reliable scheme for producing boron cages with larger HOMO–LUMO gaps, whereas the thermodynamically most stable B₈₀ cages are formed when all pentagonal faces are capped. We show that large hollow cages of boron retain a preference for fullerene frames. The additional capping is in accordance with the following rules: preference for capping of pentagonal faces, formation of B₁₀ and/or B₁₆ units, homogeneous distribution of the hexagonal caps, and hole density approaching 1/9. Although our most stable B₈₀ isomer still remains higher in energy than the B₈₀ core–shell structure, we show that by applying the bonding principles to larger structures it is possible to construct boron cages with higher stabilisation energy per boron atom than the core–shell structure; a prototypical example is B₁₆₀. This clearly shows the continuous competition between the two suggested construction schemes, namely, the formation of multiple‐shell structures and hollow cages.     

Exploration on the structure,stability, and isomerization of planar CnB5 (n = 1−7) clusters

The structures, stabilities, nature of bonding, and potential energy surfaces of low‐energy isomers of planar C_nB₅ (n = 1?7) have been systematically explored at the CCSD(T)/6‐311+G(d)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d) level. Incremental binding energy (IBE) and second order energy difference (Δ²E) analyses demonstrate that C_nB₅ clusters with even n have relatively higher stability. The nature of bonding in these clusters is discussed based on valence molecular orbital (VMO), and Mayer bond order (MBO). Hückel (4n + 2) rule and nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) values suggest that the ground states of C₃B₅, C₄B₅, and C₇B₅ have π aromaticity. VMO, electron localization function (ELF), adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), and NICS analyses reveal the double aromaticity of C₃B₅ cation. CB₅ and C₃B₅ are stable both thermodynamically and kinetically based on isomerization analysis. In addition, the simulated IR spectra are expected to be helpful for future experimental studies of these clusters.     

From an Icosahedron to a Plane: Flattening Dodecaiodo‐dodecaborate by Successive Stripping of Iodine

It has been shown by electrospray ionization–ion‐trap mass spectrometry that B₁₂I₁₂^2? converts to an intact B₁₂ cluster as a result of successive stripping of single iodine radicals or ions. Herein, the structure and stability of all intermediate B₁₂I_n^? species (n=11 to 1) determined by means of first‐principles calculations are reported. The initial predominant loss of an iodine radical occurs most probably via the triplet state of B₁₂I₁₂^2?, and the reaction path for loss of an iodide ion from the singlet state crosses that from the triplet state. Experimentally, the boron clusters resulting from B₁₂I₁₂^2? through loss of either iodide or iodine occur at the same excitation energy in the ion trap. It is shown that the icosahedral B₁₂ unit commonly observed in dodecaborate compounds is destabilized while losing iodine. The boron framework opens to nonicosahedral structures with five to seven iodine atoms left. The temperature of the ions has a considerable influence on the relative stability near the opening of the clusters. The most stable structures with five to seven iodine atoms are neither planar nor icosahedral.     

A CAS study on S‐loss and O‐loss dissociation mechanisms of the SO2+ ion in the C,D, and E states

In the present work, we mainly study dissociation of the C ²B₁, D²A₁, and E²B₂ states of the SO₂⁺ ion using the complete active‐space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfiguration second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2) methods. We first performed CASPT2 potential energy curve (PEC) calculations for S‐ and O‐loss dissociation from the X, A, B, C, D, and E primarily ionization states and many quartet states. For studying S‐loss predissociation of the C, D, and E states by the quartet states to the first, second, and third S‐loss dissociation limits, the CASSCF minimum energy crossing point (MECP) calculations for the doublet/quartet state pairs were performed, and then the CASPT2 energies and CASSCF spin‐orbit couplings were calculated at the MECPs. Our calculations predict eight S‐loss predissociation processes (via MECPs and transition states) for the C, D, and E states and the energetics for these processes are reported. This study indicates that the C and D states can adiabatically dissociate to the first O‐loss dissociation limit. Our calculations (PEC and MECP) predict a predissociation process for the E state to the first O‐loss limit. Our calculations also predict that the E²B₂ state could dissociate to the first S‐ and O‐loss limits via the A²B₂ ← E²B₂ transition. On the basis of the 13 predicted processes, we discussed the S‐ and O‐loss dissociation mechanisms of the C, D, and E states proposed in the previous experimental studies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

Cage‐Like B41+ and B422+: New Chiral Members of the Borospherene Family

The newly discovered borospherenes B₄₀^?/0 and B₃₉^? mark the onset of a new class of boron nanostructures. Based on extensive first‐principles calculations, we introduce herein two new chiral members to the borospherene family: the cage‐like C₁ B₄₁⁺ ( 1 ) and C₂ B₄₂²⁺ ( 2 ), both of which are the global minima of the systems with degenerate enantiomers. These chiral borospherene cations are composed of twelve interwoven boron double chains with six hexagonal and heptagonal faces and may be viewed as the cuborenes analogous to cubane (C₈H₈). Chemical bonding analyses show that there exists a three‐center two‐electron σ bond on each B₃ triangle and twelve multicenter two‐electron π bonds over the σ skeleton. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that C₁ B₄₁⁺ ( 1 ) fluctuates above 300 K, whereas C₂ B₄₂²⁺ ( 2 ) remains dynamically stable. The infrared and Raman spectra of these borospherene cations are predicted to facilitate their experimental characterizations.     

Na6[B18Se17]: The First Selenoborato‐closo‐dodecaborate with a Polymeric Chain Anion

Systematic studies on selenoborates containing a B₁₂ cluster entity and alkali metal cations led to the new crystalline phase Na₆[B₁₈Se₁₇] which consists of a icosahedral B₁₂ cluster completely saturated with trigonal‐planar BSe₃ units and sodium counter‐ions. Neighbouring cluster entities are connected in one direction via exocyclic selenium atoms forming the infinite chain anion ([B₁₈Se₁₆Se_2/2]^6–)_∞. The new chalcogenoborate was prepared in a solid state reaction from sodium selenide, amorphous boron and selenium in evacuated carbon coated silica tubes at a temperature of 850 °C. Na₆[B₁₈Se₁₇] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (no. 15) with a = 18.005(4) Å, b = 16.549(3) Å, c = 11.245(2) Å, β = 91.35(3)° and Z = 4.     

Synthesis of Globular Precursors

o‐Carborane (C₂B₁₀H₁₂) was adapted to perform as the core of globular macromolecules, dendrons or dendrimers. To meet this objective, precisely defined substitution patterns of terminal olefin groups on the carborane framework were subjected to Heck cross‐coupling reactions or hydroboration leading to hydroxyl terminated arms. These led to new terminal groups (chloro, bromo, and tosyl leaving groups, organic acid, and azide) that permitted ester production, click chemistry, and oxonium ring opening to be performed as examples of reactions that demonstrate the wide possibilities of the globular icosahedral carboranes to produce new dendritic or dendrimer‐like structures. Polyanionic species were obtained in high yield through the ring‐opening reaction of cyclic oxonium compound [3,3′‐Co(8‐C₄H₈O₂‐1,2‐C₂B₉H₁₀)(1′,2′‐C₂B₉H₁₁)] by using terminal hydroxyl groups as nucleophiles. These new polyanionic compounds that contain multiple metallacarborane clusters at their periphery may prove useful as new classes of compounds for boron neutron capture therapy with enhanced water solubility and as cores to make a new class of high‐boron globular macromolecules.     

Special features of preparation of nanosized zirconium diboride powders of various dispersity

Products of the zirconium powder reaction with amorphous boron in a Na₂B₄O₇ ionic melt at 650–850°C and those of the ZrCl₄ reaction with NaBH₄ at 300–725°C have been studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis. At temperature ≥750°C, single-phase ZrB₂ with the particle size of 60–80 nm is formed in a Na₂B₄O₇ ionic melt, whereas the ZrB₂ powder obtained via the reaction of ZrCl₄ with NaBH₄ at temperature ≥575°C consists of particles differing in the shape, some of which are close to spherical with diameter of 10–35 nm.