Quantum-chemical modeling of dehydrogenation of a sodium borohydride molecule in water

The successive elimination of Н₂ from a NaBH₄ molecule surrounded by a few (up to eight) water molecules has been modeled in the framework of the cluster approach with the use of the 6-31G* basis set and hybrid density functional (B3LYP). Computations show that the elimination of the hydrogen molecule from the NaBH₄ · nH₂O complex occurs through the coupling of Н^– and Н⁺ ions from BH₄^? and Н₂О, respectively, to form intermediate ВН₃ and ОН^– species separated by water molecules. Proton transfer occurs along a hydrogen bond chain through a relay mechanism. The elimination of the remaining hydrogen atoms to convert the BH₄^? anion into B(OH)₄^? proceeds analogously but with lower barriers.     

Reactivity of the 5-hexenyl radical toward the anion of 2-nitropropane and borohydride anion

The 5-hexenyl radical adds to the anion of 2-nitropropane with a rate constant of ≈ × 10⁶ L/mol-s at 40°. Hydrogen atom abstraction from BH₄^? occurs more slowly than abstraction from CH₃O^? and with a rate constant less than 1 × 10⁴ L/mol-s at 30°. The reaction of Δ⁵- hexenylmercury chloride with sodium borohydride in MeOH/NaOH proceeds via hydrogen abstraction by the hexenyl radical from RHgH and not from NaBH₄.     

Anionic zirconium and hafnium borohydride complexes

Zirconium and hafnium tetrachlorides react with NaBH₄, in dimethoxyethane (DME) to give [Na(DME)₃][M(BH₄)₅]. These compounds react with Bu₄NBH₄ and Ph₄PBH₄ to give (R₄E)[M(BH₄)₅]. Bidentate and tridentate BH ₄ ^– occur in [M(BH₄)₅]^– according to IR spectroscopy. Data from¹H and¹H-{¹¹B} NMR spectra are consistent with intermolecular exchange of BH₄ ligands in solutions of complexes (I)–(VI). The BH₄groups and the bridging and terminal protons in each BH₄ group equilibrate rapidly. Heating the complexes (I)–(VI) reduces the central atom, releases diborane, and decomposes the outer-sphere cation. The neutral borohydrides M(BH₄)₄, can be prepared by thermolysis of the sodium salts (I) and (II).Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1207–1214, June, 1990.     

Isotopic Exchange in Porous and Dense Magnesium Borohydride

Magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH₄)₂) is one of the most promising complex hydrides presently studied for energy‐related applications. Many of its properties depend on the stability of the BH₄^? anion. The BH₄^? stability was investigated with respect to H→D exchange. In situ Raman measurements on high‐surface‐area porous Mg(BH₄)₂ in 0.3 MPa D₂ have shown that the isotopic exchange at appreciable rates occurs already at 373 K. This is the lowest exchange temperature observed in stable borohydrides. Gas–solid isotopic exchange follows the BH₄^?+D^.→BH₃D^?+H^. mechanism at least at the initial reaction steps. Ex situ deuteration of porous Mg(BH₄)₂ and its dense‐phase polymorph indicates that the intrinsic porosity of the hydride is the key behind the high isotopic exchange rates. It implies that the solid‐state H(D) diffusion is considerably slower than the gas–solid H→D exchange reaction at the surface and it is a rate‐limiting steps for hydrogen desorption and absorption in Mg(BH₄)_2.     

Borane-catalyzed hydroboration of substituted alkenes by lithium borohydride or sodium borohydride

In the presence of a catalytic amount of BH₃·Me₂S, TiCl₄ or Me₃SiCl, LiBH₄ or NaBH₄ are capable of hydroborating alkenes by following the unusual order of decreasing reactivity: tetramethylethylene > 1-methylcyclohexene > cyclohexene; the key step of the catalytic cycle is the exchange reaction between LiBH₄ and the mono- or dialkylboranes resulting from hydroboration of the more substituted alkenes with BH₃.     

Addition of borohydride ion to coordinated isocyanides: the structure of π-C5H5Fe(CO)[(CHNCH3)2BH2]

The structure of π-C₅H₅Fe(CO)[(CHNCH₃)₂BH₂] has been determined from three dimensional X-ray diffractometer data collected by counter methods. The compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/a with four molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 12.33(3), b = 6.14(2) and c = 16.21(7)Å with β = 105.0(2)°. The observed and calculated densities are 1.37(2) and 1.379(6) g/cm³ respectively. Full-matrix least-squares refinement has resulted in R = 0.113 for the 1238 data with F²_o ? σ (F²_o). The structure results from a BH^?₄ anion adding across two coordinated isocyanide ligands to form a six-membered heterocyclic ring containing BN bonds.     

Die Hydroborierung von Kohlenstoffdisulfid mit Natriumboranat. Pentanatrium-tetrakis(dithiomethylen)borat,ein Salz mit einem neuen „Tetrathioborat”︁-Anion

Hydroboration of Carbon Disulfide with Sodium Tetrahydridoborate. Pentasodium Tetrakis (dithiomethylene) borate, a Salt with a New “Tetrathioborate” Anion Carbon disulfide reacts in THF, acetonitrile, or N, N-dimethylthioformamide with NaBH₄ to give pentasodium tetrakis(dithiomethylene) borate, 6 . The reaction mechanism for the new anion [B^?(S? CH₂? S^?)₄] can be described by stepwise CS₂ insertion to the B? H bonds of BH₄^? and H^? transfer from BH₄^? to the intermediates. The results of these reactions have been obtained by ¹H and ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy.     

Dynamics of ion—molecule processes: A crossed-beam study of the reaction B+(3P) + H2 → BH+ + H

Dynamics of the reaction B⁺(³P) + H₂ → BH⁺ + H has been studied in crossed-beam scattering experiments in the collision-energy range 0.6–2.3 eV (c.m.). Scattering diagrams obtained show that in the reaction both the ground state BH⁺(²Σ⁺) and the excited state BH⁺(² Π) (if energetically accessible) are formed; both states are formed via intermediate complexes whose mean lifetimes are of the order of 10^?13 s and decrease with increasing collision energy, as reflected in the decreasing forward-backward symmetry of the scattering diagrams.     

Vibrational studies of BH−4 and BD−4 isolated in alkali halides

Single crystals of alkali halides doped with BH^?₄ and BD^?₄ were grown from the melt. Previously unreported bands in the infrared spectra of BH^?₄ and BD^?₄ isolated in different alkali halides are interpreted in terms of summation bands of internal and external modes of vibration. This has allowed the torsional and translational modes of the impurity ion to be identified. The tetrahedral symmetry of the borohydride ion is retained when it is isolated within alkali halides with the NaCl structure. A reduction of symmetry towards C_3v was observed when BH^?₄ (or BD^?₄) was isolated within lattices with CsCl structure.Raman and far infrared spectra of alkali halide/BH^?₄ systems will be reported for the first time, and high pressure infrared studies of these systems will be described. The effects of pressure in the internal mode, external modes, Fermi resonance and NaCl to CsCl structural phase changes will be discussed.     

Ab initio scf and ci study of the electronic structure of BH3CO

Results of ab initio SCF and CI calculations employing a Gaussian basis set of double-zeta quality are reported for BH₃CO. The heat of formation for the gas-phase reaction, BH₃ + CO → BH₃CO, is calculated as ?10.98 kcal mol^?1 within the SCF approximation, and as ?14.56 kcal mol^?1 if the CI treatment is included. This is in good agreement with the estimated experimental value of ?16.6 kcal mol^?1. The energy of rearrangement of the BH₃ fragment from D_3h to C_3v symmetry in BH₃CO is calculated as 15.97 kcal mol^?1. Molecular properties have been studied in terms of the calculated electron populations, the dipole moment and the electric Field gradient of ¹¹B in BH₃CO.     

Borane and Borohydride Complexes of the Rare‐Earth Elements: Synthesis,Structures, and Butadiene Polymerization Catalysis

The reaction of potassium 2,5‐bis[N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl]pyrrolyl [(dip₂‐pyr)K] with the borohydrides of the larger rare‐earth metals, [Ln(BH₄)₃(thf)₃] (Ln=La, Nd), afforded the expected products [Ln(BH₄)₂(dip₂‐pyr)(thf)₂]. As usual, the trisborohydrides reacted like pseudohalide compounds forming KBH₄ as a by‐product. To compare the reactivity with the analogous halides, the dimeric neodymium complex [NdCl₂(dip₂‐pyr)(thf)]₂ was prepared by reaction of [(dip₂‐pyr)K] with anhydrous NdCl₃. Reaction of [(dip₂‐pyr)K] with the borohydrides of the smaller rare‐earth metals, [Sc(BH₄)₃(thf)₂] and [Lu(BH₄)₃(thf)₃], resulted in a redox reaction of the BH₄^? group with one of the Schiff base functions of the ligand. In the resulting products, [Ln(BH₄){(dip)(dip‐BH₃)‐pyr}(thf)₂] (Ln=Sc, Lu), a dinegatively charged ligand with a new amido function, a Schiff base, and the pyrrolyl function is bound to the metal atom. The by‐product of the reaction of the BH₄^? anion with the Schiff base function (a BH₃ molecule) is trapped in a unique reaction mode in the coordination sphere of the metal complex. The BH₃ molecule coordinates in an η² fashion to the metal atom. The rare‐earth‐metal atoms are surrounded by the η²‐coordinated BH₃ molecule, the η³‐coordinated BH₄^? anion, two THF molecules, and the nitrogen atoms from the Schiff base and the pyrrolyl function. All new compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction data at 6 K were collected to locate the hydrogen atoms of [Lu(BH₄){(dip)(dip‐BH₃)‐pyr}(thf)₂]. The (DIP₂‐pyr)^? borohydride and chloride complexes of neodymium, [Nd(BH₄)₂(dip₂‐pyr)(thf)₂] and [NdCl₂(dip₂‐pyr)(thf)]₂, were also used as Ziegler–Natta catalysts for the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene to yield poly(cis‐1,4‐butadiene). Very high activities and good cis selectivities were observed by using each of these complexes as a catalyst in the presence of various cocatalyst mixtures.     

Structure and vibrational dynamics of isotopically labeled lithium borohydride using neutron diffraction and spectroscopy

The crystalline structure of a ⁷Li and ¹¹B labeled lithium borohydride has been investigated using neutron powder diffraction at 3.5, 360, and 400 K. The B-H bond lengths and H-B-H angles for the [BH₄]⁻ tetrahedra indicated that the tetrahedra maintained a nearly ideal configuration throughout the temperature range investigated. The atomic displacement parameters at 360 K suggest that the [BH₄]⁻ tetrahedra become increasingly disordered as a result of large amplitude librational and reorientational motions as the orthorhombic to hexagonal phase transition (T=384 K) is approached. In the high-temperature hexagonal phase, the [BH₄]⁻ tetrahedra displayed extreme disorder about the trigonal axis along which they are aligned. Neutron vibrational spectroscopy data were collected at 5 K over an energy range of 10-170 meV, and were found to be in good agreement with prior Raman and low-resolution neutron spectroscopy studies.     

Sur le role fondamental du cation alcalin dans les reductions par les hydrures metalliques—utilisation de coordinats macrocycliques—IV : Regioselectivite et reduction des enones conjuguees

The competition between 1,2 and 1,4-addition in the metal hydride reduction of conjugated cyclohexenones and cyclopentenones in aprotic media is affected by solvent, nature of cation (Li⁺ or Na⁺), and of anion (AlH₄^? or BH₄^?). In protic media, effects of salt concentration, and the nature of the salt are observed. Three competitive reaction pathways are proposed to account for the results and methods for the selective reduction of conjugated enones are proposed. Some reactions were run free of alkaline cation by use of macrocyclic ligands.     

Cationic Chains of Phosphanyl‐ and Arsanylboranes

Whilst catena‐phosphorus cations have been intensively studied in the last years, mixed Group 13/15 element cationic chains have not yet been reported. Reaction of the pnictogenboranes H₂EBH₂?NMe₃ (E=P, As) with monohalideboranes lead to the cationic chain compounds [Me₃N?BH₂EH₂BH₂?NMe₃][X] (E=P, As; X=AlCl₄, I) and [Me₃N?BH₂PH₂BH₂PH₂BH₂?NMe₃][X] (X=I, VCl₄(thf)₂), respectively. All of the compounds have been characterized by X‐ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. DFT calculations elucidate the reaction pathway, the high thermodynamic stability, the charge distribution within the chain and confirm the observed solid‐state structures.     

Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition Behaviors of Magnesium Borohydride Ammoniates with Controllable Composition as Hydrogen Storage Materials

An ammonia‐redistribution strategy for synthesizing metal borohydride ammoniates with controllable coordination number of NH₃ was proposed, and a series of magnesium borohydride ammoniates were easily synthesized by a mechanochemical reaction between Mg(BH₄)₂ and its hexaammoniate. A strong dependence of the dehydrogenation temperature and purity of the released hydrogen upon heating on the coordination number of NH₃ was elaborated for Mg(BH₄)₂?x NH₃ owing to the change in the molar ratio of H^δ+ and H^δ?, the charge distribution on H^δ+ and H^δ?, and the strength of the coordinate bond N:→Mg²⁺. The monoammoniate of magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH₄)₂?NH₃) was obtained for the first time. It can release 6.5 % pure hydrogen within 50 minutes at 180 °C.     

Anionic Chains of Parent Pnictogenylboranes

We report on the synthesis and structural characterization of unprecedented anionic parent compounds of mixed Group 13/15 elements. The reactions of the pnictogenylboranes H₂E‐BH₂?NMe₃ ( 1 a =P, 1 b =As) with phosphorus and arsenic centered nucleophiles of the type [EH₂]^? (E=P, As) lead to the formation of compounds of the type [H₂E‐BH₂‐E′H₂]^? ( 2 : E=E′=P; 3 : E=E′=As; 4 : E=P, E′=As) containing anionic pnictogen–boron chain‐like units. Furthermore, a longer 5‐membered chain species [H₂As‐BH₂‐PH₂‐BH₂‐AsH₂]^? ( 5 ) and a cyclic compound [NHC^dipp‐H₂B‐PH₂‐BH₂‐NHC^dipp]⁺[P₅B₅H₁₉]^? ( 6 ) containing a n‐butylcyclohexane‐like anion were obtained. All the compounds have been characterized by X‐ray structure analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. DFT calculations elucidate their high thermodynamic stability, the charge distribution, and give insight into the reaction pathway.     

Zirconium borohydride piperazine complex, an efficient, air and thermally stable reducing agent

A zirconium borohydride piperazine complex (Ppyz)Zr(BH₄)₂Cl₂, obtained by the reaction of an ethereal solution of ZrCl₄ and LiBH₄ with piperazine is a stable, selective and efficient reducing agent. (Ppyz)Zr(BH₄)₂Cl₂ reduces aldehydes, ketones, silylethers, α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and esters. The reactions were performed in diethyl ether at room temperature or under reflux, and the yields of the corresponding alcohols were excellent. The selective reduction of aldehydes in the presence of ketones and complete regioselectivity in the reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups were observed.     

A study of the reaction kinetics of electrogenerated superoxide ion with benzylbromide

The reaction kinetics between O₂^? and C₆H₅CH₂Br has been investigated in N,N′-dimethylformamide by electroanalytical techniques. A mechanism is proposed in which two molecules of the primary electrode product regenerate, via a following chemical reaction, one molecule of the original electroactive species. Furthermore, evidence for a S_N2 reaction mechanism between O₂^? and C₆H₅CH₂Br has been obtained. Second order rate constants resulted to be 11000 M^?1s^?1 and 3000 M^?1s^?1at room temperature and 0°C, respectively. The main products of the reaction were found to be benzylalcohol, benzaldehyde, benzene and biphenyl.     

Boranate und Boranato-metallate. III. Boranatozinkate der Alkalimetalle

The reaction of zinc halides (ZnCl₂, ZnBr₂) or Zn(BH₄)₂ with LiBH₄ or NaBH₄ in ether or tetrahydrofurane yields LiZn(BH₄)₃, Li₂Zn(BH₄)₄ or NaZn(BH₄)₃ respectively. The latter complex is also obtained by the reaction of NaZn(OCH₃)₃ or Na₂Zn(OCH₃)₄ with diborane. Octakis(tetrahydridoborato)-trizincate K₂Zn₃(BH₄)₈ and BaZn₃(BH₄)₈ are formed by treating Zn(BH₄)₂ with KBH₄ or Ba(BH₄)₂. The ¹¹B-nmr- and ir-spectra of the new complexes are recorded and discussed in terms of double hydrogen bridge bonding of BH₄ groups to the central zinc atom.