Finding all‐nonmetal transition‐metal‐like superatom and its magnetic building block

In novel superatom chemistry, it is very attractive that all‐metal clusters can mimic the behaviors of nonmetal atoms and simple nonmetal molecules. Wizardly all‐metal halogen‐like superatom Al₁₃ with 2P⁵ sub shell (corresponding to the 3p⁵ of chlorine) is the most typical example. In contrast, how to mimic the behaviors of magnetic transition‐metal atom using all‐nonmetal cluster is an intriguing challenge for superatom chemistry. In response to this based on human intuition, using quantum chemistry methods and extending jellium model from metal cluster to all‐nonmetal cluster, we have found out that all‐nonmetal octahedral B₆ cluster with characteristic jellium electron configuration 1S²1P⁶2S²1D⁸ in the triplet ground state can mimic the behaviors of transition‐metal Ni atom with electron configuration 3s²3p⁶4s²3d⁸ in electronic configuration, physics and chemistry. Interestingly, the characteristic order of 1S1P2S1D for the B₆ nonmetal cluster with short B‐B lengths is different from that of the traditional jellium model—1S1P1D2S for metal clusters with long M‐M lengths, which exhibits a novel size effect of nonmetal cluster on jellium orbital ordering. Based on the jellium electron configuration, the B₆ with the spin moment value of 2μ_B is a new all‐nonmetal transition‐metal nickel‐like superatom exhibiting a new kind of all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom. Finding the application of the all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom, we encapsulate the magnetic superatom B₆ inside fully hydrogenated fullerene forming a clathrate B₆@C₆₀H₆₀ with the spin moment value of 2μ_B. As the C₆₀H₆₀ cage as a polymerization unit can conserve the spin moment of endohedral B₆, the clathrate B₆@C₆₀H₆₀ is a new all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom building block. Naturally, magnetic superatom structures of the B₆ and B₆@C₆₀H₆₀ may be metastable.     

Disruptive influence of the host cage C60 on the guest He–H+ bond and bonding in H3+

Although a helium atom prefers to stay at the centre of a fullerene (C₆₀) cage and a proton binds with one of the carbon atoms from inside, DFT(MN15)/cc-pVTZ and DLPNO-MP2/def2-TZVP calculations show that the helium atom and the proton in HeH⁺ prefer to stay away from the centre of the cage, weakening the He–H⁺ covalent bond considerably. Both the helium atom and the proton exhibit noncovalent interactions with the carbon atoms of two pentagons at the opposite ends of the fullerene cage. Our calculations also show that a linear arrangement of H₃⁺ (inside C₆₀), pointing towards the centres of two pentagons opposite to each other, with the proton breaking away from H_2, is energetically more favored over the equilateral triangle geometry of free H₃⁺.     

Hidden Hydride Transfer as a Decisive Mechanistic Step in the Reactions of the Unligated Gold Carbide [AuC]+ with Methane under Ambient Conditions

The reactivity of the cationic gold carbide [AuC]⁺ (bearing an electrophilic carbon atom) towards methane has been studied using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS). The product pairs generated, that is, Au⁺/C₂H₄, [Au(C₂H₂)]⁺/H₂, and [C₂H₃]⁺/AuH, point to the breaking and making of C?H, C?C, and H?H bonds under single‐collision conditions. The mechanisms of these rather efficient reactions have been elucidated by high‐level quantum‐chemical calculations. As a major result, based on molecular orbital and NBO‐based charge analysis, an unprecedented hydride transfer from methane to the carbon atom of [AuC]⁺ has been identified as a key step. Also, the origin of this novel mechanistic scenario has been addressed. The mechanistic insights derived from this study may provide guidance for the rational design of carbon‐based catalysts.     

On the Gas‐Phase Reactivity of Complexed OH+ with Halogenated Alkanes

OH⁺ is an extraordinarily strong oxidant. Complexed forms (L? OH⁺), such as H₂OOH⁺, H₃NOH⁺, or iron–porphyrin‐OH⁺ are the anticipated oxidants in many chemical reactions. While these molecules are typically not stable in solution, their isolation can be achieved in the gas phase. We report a systematic survey of the influence on L on the reactivity of L? OH⁺ towards alkanes and halogenated alkanes, showing the tremendous influence of L on the reactivity of L? OH⁺. With the help of with quantum chemical calculations, detailed mechanistic insights on these very general reactions are gained. The gas‐phase pseudo‐first‐order reaction rates of H₂OOH⁺, H₃NOH⁺, and protonated 4‐picoline‐N‐oxide towards isobutane and different halogenated alkanes C_nH_2n+1Cl (n=1–4), HCF₃, CF₄, and CF₂Cl₂ have been determined by means of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance meaurements. Reaction rates for H₂OOH⁺ are generally fast (7.2×10^?10–3.0×10^?9 cm³ mol^?1 s^?1) and only in the cases HCF₃ and CF₄ no reactivity is observed. In contrast to this H₃NOH⁺ only reacts with tC₄H₉Cl (k_obs=9.2×10^?10), while 4‐CH₃‐C₅H₄N‐OH⁺ is completely unreactive. While H₂OOH⁺ oxidizes alkanes by an initial hydride abstraction upon formation of a carbocation, it reacts with halogenated alkanes at the chlorine atom. Two mechanistic scenarios, namely oxidation at the halogen atom or proton transfer are found. Accurate proton affinities for HOOH, NH₂OH, a series of alkanes C_nH_2n+2 (n=1–4), and halogenated alkanes C_nH_2n+1Cl (n=1–4), HCF₃, CF₄, and CF₂Cl₂, were calculated by using the G3 method and are in excellent agreement with experimental values, where available. The G3 enthalpies of reaction are also consistent with the observed products. The tendency for oxidation of alkanes by hydride abstraction is expressed in terms of G3 hydride affinities of the corresponding cationic products C_nH_2n+1⁺ (n=1–4) and C_nH_2nCl⁺ (n=1–4). The hypersurface for the reaction of H₂OOH⁺ with CH₃Cl and C₂H₅Cl was calculated at the B3 LYP, MP2, and G3_m* level, underlining the three mechanistic scenarios in which the reaction is either induced by oxidation at the hydrogen or the halogen atom, or by proton transfer.     

A Stable,Soluble, and Crystalline Supramolecular System with a Triplet Ground State

A supramolecular complex was constructed by encapsulation of a ³O₂ molecule inside an open‐cage C₆₀ derivative. Its single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of the ³O₂ at the center of the fullerene cage. The CV measurements suggested that unprecedented dehydrogenation was promoted by the encapsulated ³O₂ after two‐electron reduction. The ESR measurements displayed the triplet character as well as the anisotropy of the ³O₂. Additionally, the SQUID measurements also demonstrated the paramagnetic behavior above 3 K without an antiferromagnetic transition. Upon photoirradiation with visible light, three phosphorescent bands at the NIR region were observed, arising from the exited ¹O₂ generated by self‐sensitization with the outer cage, whose lifetimes were not affected by the environments. These studies confirmed that the complex is a crystalline triplet system with incompatible “high spin density” but “small interspin interaction” properties.     

Bifunctional Ion‐Selective Electrode Based on C60‐Cryptand 22 for Silver and Iodine Ions

Fullerence C60‐cryptand 22 was prepared and successfully applied as the electric carrier in the PVC electrode membrane of a bifunctional ion‐selective electrode for cations, e.g., Ag⁺ ions as well as anions, e.g., I^? ions. The bifunctional ion‐selective electrode based on C60‐cryptand 22 can be applied as a Silver (Ag⁺) ion selective electrode with an internal electrode solution of 10^?3 M AgNO₃ in water (pH = 6.3), or as an Iodide (I^?) ion selective electrode with an acidic internal electrode solution of 10^?4 M KI_(aq) (pH = 2) in which the cryptand 22 is protonated, and the C60‐cryptand 22 is changed to C60‐Cryptand22–H⁺ and becomes an anionic electro‐carrier to absorb the I^? ion. The Ag⁺ ion selective electrode based on C60‐cryptand 22 gave a linear response with a near‐Nernstian slope (59.5 mV decade^?1) within the concentration range 10^?1‐10^?3 M Ag⁺_(aq). The Ag⁺ ion electrode exhibited comparatively good selectivity for silver ions, over other transition‐metal ions, alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. The Ag⁺ ion selective electrode with good stability and reproducibility was successfully used for the titration of Ag⁺_(aq) with Cl^? ions. The Iodide (I^?) Ion selective electrode based on protonated C60–cryptand22‐H⁺ also showed a linear response with a nearly Nernstian slope (58.5 mV decade^?1) within 10^?1 ‐ 10^?3 M I^? _(aq) and exhibited good selectivity for I^? ions and had small selectivity coefficients (10^?2–10^?3) for most of other anions, e.g., F^? , OH^?, CH₃COO^?, SO₄^2?, CO₃^2?, CrO₄^2?, Cr₂O₇^2? and PO₄^3? ions.     

Theoretical studies on structures and electronic spectra of linear carbon chains C2nH+ (n = 1−5)

The density functional theory (DFT) and the complete active space self‐consistent‐field (CASSCF) method have been used for full geometry optimization of carbon chains C_2nH⁺ (n = 1–5) in their ground states and selected excited states, respectively. Calculations show that C_2nH⁺ (n = 1–5) have stable linear structures with the ground state of X³Π for C₂H⁺ or X³Σ^? for other species. The excited‐state properties of C_2nH⁺ have been investigated by the multiconfigurational second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2), and predicted vertical excitation energies show good agreement with the available experimental values. On the basis of our calculations, the unsolved observed bands in previous experiments have been interpreted. CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations also have been used to explore the vertical emission energy of selected low‐lying states in C_2nH⁺ (n = 1–5). Present results indicate that the predicted vertical excitation and emission energies of C_2nH⁺ have similar size dependences, and they gradually decrease as the chain size increases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

The Existence of an Isolated Hydronium Ion in the Interior of Proteins

Neutron diffraction analysis studies reported an isolated hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) in the interior of d ‐xylose isomerase (XI) and phycocyanobilin‐ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PcyA). H₃O⁺ forms hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) with two histidine side‐chains and a backbone carbonyl group in PcyA, whereas H₃O⁺ forms H‐bonds with three acidic residues in XI. Using a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approach, we analyzed stabilization of H₃O⁺ by the protein environment. QM/MM calculations indicated that H₃O⁺ was unstable in the PcyA crystal structure, releasing a proton to an H‐bond partner His88, producing H₂O and protonated His88. On the other hand, H₃O⁺ was stable in the XI crystal structure. H‐bond partners of isolated H₃O⁺ would be practically limited to acidic residues such as aspartic and glutamic acids in the protein environment.     

Responsive Janus Cage Reactor

A Janus silica cage was synthesized by selectively grafting an ionic liquid (IL) and poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) (lower critical solution temperature (LCST)≈32 °C) onto the exterior and interior sides of the mesoporous SiO₂ shell. The paramagnetic core inside the cavity is responsible for magnetic collection. The PW₁₂O₄₀^3? anion is further conjugated onto the IL side by anion exchange. The Janus cage acts as a thermal‐responsive reactor for catalytic oxidization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in the presence of H₂O₂. The sulfide in the model oil can be completely decomposed at 25 °C, whilst the oxidative products are more dissoluble in water and preferentially captured inside the Janus cage. The Janus cage reactor could be regenerated at high temperature above 32 °C after releasing the products.     

K3(Sc0.875Nb0.125)Nb2O9H1.75: a new scandium niobate with a unique cage structure

Potassium scandium niobate hydroxide, K₃(Sc_0.875Nb_0.125)Nb₂O₉H_1.75, is a new scandium niobate with a unique cage structure. The structure contains two non‐equivalent K⁺ sites (3m and m2 site symmetry), one disordered Sc³⁺/Nb⁵⁺ site (m site symmetry), one Nb⁵⁺ site (3m site symmetry), two O²⁻ sites (m and mm2 site symmetry) and one H⁺ site (m site symmetry). Both scandium and niobium have octahedral environments, which combine to form cages around potassium. One K atom lies in a cube‐like cage built of seven octahedra, while the other K atom is encapsulated by an eight‐membered trigonal face‐bicapped prism. The cages form sheets that extend along the ab plane.     

Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Ir and Rh Imine‐functionalized Protic NHC Complexes: Synthetic,Structural Studies,and Tautomerization/Metallotropism Insights

The influence of the potentially chelating imino group of imine‐functionalized Ir and Rh imidazole complexes on the formation of functionalized protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (pNHC) complexes by tautomerization/metallotropism sequences was investigated. Chloride abstraction in [Ir(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 a ) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with TlPF₆ gave [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^?). Plausible mechanisms for the tautomerization of complex 1 a to 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? involving C2?H bond activation either in 1 a or in [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?) were postulated. Addition of PR₃ to complex 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? afforded the eighteen‐valence‐electron complexes [Ir(cod)(PR₃){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Ph) and 7 b ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Me)). In contrast to Ir, chloride abstraction from [Rh(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 b ) at room temperature afforded [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) and [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) (minor); the reaction yielded exclusively the latter product in toluene at 110 °C. Double metallation of the azole ring (at both the C2 and the N3 atom) was also achieved: [Ir₂(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 10 ) and the heterodinuclear complex [IrRh(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 12 ) were fully characterized. The structures of complexes 1 b , 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?, 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, [Ir(cod){C₃HN₂(DippN=CMe)(DippN=CH)(Me)‐κ²(N3,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 9 ⁺[PF₆]^?), 10? Et₂O ? toluene, [Ir₂(CO)₄Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 11 ), and 12? 2 THF were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

A Stable,Soluble, and Crystalline Supramolecular System with a Triplet Ground State

A supramolecular complex was constructed by encapsulation of a ³O₂ molecule inside an open‐cage C₆₀ derivative. Its single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of the ³O₂ at the center of the fullerene cage. The CV measurements suggested that unprecedented dehydrogenation was promoted by the encapsulated ³O₂ after two‐electron reduction. The ESR measurements displayed the triplet character as well as the anisotropy of the ³O₂. Additionally, the SQUID measurements also demonstrated the paramagnetic behavior above 3 K without an antiferromagnetic transition. Upon photoirradiation with visible light, three phosphorescent bands at the NIR region were observed, arising from the exited ¹O₂ generated by self‐sensitization with the outer cage, whose lifetimes were not affected by the environments. These studies confirmed that the complex is a crystalline triplet system with incompatible “high spin density” but “small interspin interaction” properties.     

Cationic Closo Carboranes—Promising Weakly Coordinating Ions

The unexplored carbon rich cationic closo carboranes, C₃B_n?3H_n⁺¹ (n=5, 6, 7, 10, 12) are investigated theoretically. The position isomers were calculated at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level, and the charge distribution in the cluster is estimated by NBO analysis. The criterion of ring‐cap orbital overlap compatibility along with the number of B? C, C? C, and B? B bonds help in explaining the stability order in each category. The most stable isomer is the one with maximum ring‐cap orbital overlap and largest number of B? C bonds. The order of relative stability among the trigonal bipyramid is 1c > 1b > 1a ′, where the stability is proportional to the number of CH caps over the small three‐membered ring. The C₃B₃H₆⁺ isomer with the one allyl C3 group ( 2b ) is more favorable than the one with a cyclopropenyl group ( 2a ). Among the C₃B₄H₇⁺ isomers the stability order is 3e > 3d > 3c > 3b > 3a , which mostly depends on the ring‐cap orbital overlap. In the bicapped square antiprism (4) where there is large number of isomers, the order follows the rule of ring cap compatibility and the number of B? C bonds. The order of 5e > 5d > 5c > 5b > 5a obtained from the calculations is in perfect agreement with the above sited rules. Equations (1) – (5) devised for estimating the stability of isomers of C₃B_n?3H_n⁺ indicate an increase in stability with cage size. The mono‐positive charge of the isomers is distributed throughout the cage, making them suitable candidates as weakly electrophillic cations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1542–1551, 2001     

Encapsulation and Dynamic Behavior of Methanol and Formaldehyde inside Open‐Cage C60 Derivatives

Methanol (CH₃OH) and formaldehyde (H₂CO) molecules were inserted into an open‐cage C₆₀ derivative with a large opening, under high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions in solution. Isolation of their molecular complexes in pure form was achieved by the use of recycling HPLC with Buckyprep columns. ¹H NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, and DFT calculations revealed the orientation of the encapsulated CH₃OH and H₂CO, both in solution and in the solid state, and the results show that the CH₃ group of the CH₃OH and the carbonyl group of the H₂CO point to the bottom of the cages. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of the CH₃OH and H₂CO were studied at the molecular level.     

Mechanistic Studies on the Gas‐Phase Dehydrogenation of Alkanes at Cyclometalated Platinum Complexes

In the ion/molecule reactions of the cyclometalated platinum complexes [Pt(L? H)]⁺ (L=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), 2‐phenylpyridine (phpy), and 7,8‐benzoquinoline (bq)) with linear and branched alkanes C_nH_2n+2 (n=2–4), the main reaction channels correspond to the eliminations of dihydrogen and the respective alkenes in varying ratios. For all three couples [Pt(L? H)]⁺/C₂H₆, loss of C₂H₄ dominates clearly over H₂ elimination; however, the mechanisms significantly differs for the reactions of the “rollover”‐cyclometalated bipy complex and the classically cyclometalated phpy and bq complexes. While double hydrogen‐atom transfer from C₂H₆ to [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺, followed by ring rotation, gives rise to the formation of [Pt(H)(bipy)]⁺, for the phpy and bq complexes [Pt(L? H)]⁺, the cyclometalated motif is conserved; rather, according to DFT calculations, formation of [Pt(L? H)(H₂)]⁺ as the ionic product accounts for C₂H₄ liberation. In the latter process, [Pt(L? H)(H₂)(C₂H₄)]⁺ (that carries H₂ trans to the nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic ligand) serves, according to DFT calculation, as a precursor from which, due to the electronic peculiarities of the cyclometalated ligand, C₂H₄ rather than H₂ is ejected. For both product‐ion types, [Pt(H)(bipy)]⁺ and [Pt(L? H)(H₂)]⁺ (L=phpy, bq), H₂ loss to close a catalytic dehydrogenation cycle is feasible. In the reactions of [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺ with the higher alkanes C_nH_2n+2 (n=3, 4), H₂ elimination dominates over alkene formation; most probably, this observation is a consequence of the generation of allyl complexes, such as [Pt(C₃H₅)(bipy)]⁺. In the reactions of [Pt(L? H)]⁺ (L=phpy, bq) with propane and n‐butane, the losses of the alkenes and dihydrogen are of comparable intensities. While in the reactions of “rollover”‐cyclometalated [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺ with C_nH_2n+2 (n=2–4) less than 15 % of the generated product ions are formed by C? C bond‐cleavage processes, this value is about 60 % for the reaction with neo‐pentane. The result that C? C bond cleavage gains in importance for this substrate is a consequence of the fact that 1,2‐elimination of two hydrogen atoms is no option; this observation may suggest that in the reactions with the smaller alkanes, 1,1‐ and 1,3‐elimination pathways are only of minor importance.     

Thermal Dehydrogenation of Base‐Stabilized B2H5+ Complexes and Its Role in C?H Borylation

Thermally induced dehydrogenation of the H‐bridged cation L₂B₂H₅⁺ (L=Lewis base) is proposed to be the key step in the intramolecular C H borylation of tertiary amine boranes activated with catalytic amounts of strong “hydridophiles”. Loss of H₂ from L₂B₂H₅⁺ generates the highly reactive cation L₂B₂H₃⁺, which in its sp²‐sp³ diborane(4) form then undergoes either an intramolecular C H insertion with B B bond cleavage, or captures BH₃ to produce L₂B₃H₆⁺. The effect of the counterion stability on the outcome of the reaction is illustrated by formation of LBH₂C₆F₅ complexes through disproportionation of L₂B₂H₅⁺ HB(C₆F₅)₃⁻.     

Conformational Transformations of (C12H25NH3+)(Pyridinesulfonate) in the Solid State

The phase‐transition behaviors, crystal structures, and dielectric properties of four kinds of simple 1:1 organic salts of (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(benzenesulfonate) and (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(pyridine sulfonates) were examined from the viewpoint of intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and dynamic conformational transformation in molecular assemblies. Crystals of (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(benzenesulfonate) and (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(3‐pyridinesulfonate) were isostructural and solid–solid and solid–liquid‐crystal smectic A (SmA) phase transitions were observed. These two crystals formed rodlike cation–anion assemblies. However, the two salts, (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(2‐pyridinesulfonate) and (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(4‐pyridinesulfonate), formed largely bent L ‐shaped cation–anion conformations. Interesting conformational transformations from rodlike to L ‐shaped assemblies were observed in (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(2‐pyridinesulfonate) and (C₁₂H₂₅NH₃⁺)(3‐pyridinesulfonate).     

C9H12+·侧链分解反应机理的理论研究

正苯丙烷正离子的分解过程可以作为研究烷基苯正离子分解反应机理的原型。使用Gaussian98程序包,在B3LYP/6-311++G**基组水平上,C9H12+·分解反应系统的各反应被详细研究。用振动模式分析充分研究了各反应通道以确定过渡态,用电子布居分析讨论电子的分布并阐明反应机理。C9H12+·链反应可以由C-H键断裂而引发,但是有一个直接产生C8H9+ + CH3·的通道。     

Thermal Dehydrogenation of Base‐Stabilized B2H5+ Complexes and Its Role in CH Borylation

Thermally induced dehydrogenation of the H‐bridged cation L₂B₂H₅⁺ (L=Lewis base) is proposed to be the key step in the intramolecular C? H borylation of tertiary amine boranes activated with catalytic amounts of strong “hydridophiles”. Loss of H₂ from L₂B₂H₅⁺ generates the highly reactive cation L₂B₂H₃⁺, which in its sp²‐sp³ diborane(4) form then undergoes either an intramolecular C? H insertion with B? B bond cleavage, or captures BH₃ to produce L₂B₃H₆⁺. The effect of the counterion stability on the outcome of the reaction is illustrated by formation of LBH₂C₆F₅ complexes through disproportionation of L₂B₂H₅⁺ HB(C₆F₅)₃^?.     

Isomeric [C,H3,N,O]+˙ ions and their neutral counterparts

The isomeric ions [H₂NC(H)O]⁺˙, [H₂NCOH]⁺˙, [H₃CNO]⁺˙ and [H₂CNOH]⁺˙ were examined in the gas phase by mass spectrometry. Ab initio molecular orbital theory was used to calculate the relative stabilities of [H₂NC(H)O]⁺˙, [H₂NCOH]⁺˙, [H₃NCO]⁺˙ and their neutral counterparts. Theory predicted [H₂NC(H)O]⁺˙ to be the most stable ion. [H₂NCOH]⁺˙ ions were generated via a 1,4-hydrogen transfer in [H₂NC(O)OCH₃]⁺˙, [H₂NC(O)C(O)OH]⁺˙ and [H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₃]⁺˙. Its metastable dissociation takes place via [H₃NCO]⁺˙ with the isomerization as the rate-determining step. [H₂CNOH]⁺˙ undergoes a rate-determining isomerization into [H₃CNO]⁺˙ prior to metastable fragmentation. Neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry was used to identify the neutral counterparts of these [H₃,C,N,O]⁺˙ ions as stable species in the gas phase. The ion [H₃NCO]⁺˙ was not independently generated in these experiments; its neutral counterpart was predicted by theory to be only weakly bound.