Binding of HMG Proteins to the 5''''_Flanking Sequence of Human β-Globin Gene

Our previous studies have identified that there are at least three regulatory regions (two negative regions and one positive region) in the 5'-flanking sequence of human β-globin gene (-610 to +1 bp). The binding of HMG proteins to both negative regulatory regions was examined by the gel mobility shift and DNase I protection assays.In gel mobility shift assay,we observed that HMG proteins 1 and 2 could bind to both negative regulatory regions (NCR1 and NCR2).Using the gel shift competition assay,we identified that the binding proteins between the two regions are different from each other.DNase I protection analysis shows that HMG proteins 1 and 2 only bind to one site (between-560 and-533 bp) in NCR1.However,two protected regions can be detected in NCR2, one between-272 and-252 bp relative to the cap site, the other between-306 and-329 bp.We also observed that HMG proteins 14 and 17 could not bind to both negative regions, so it seems that HMG proteins 1 and 2 may play an important role in the regulati     

人体β-珠蛋白基因5′-旁侧DNA序列内的负调控区域1(NCR1)与HMG蛋白质(1+2)的相互作用

利用分子生物学技术和扫描隧道显微镜方法首次观察到HMG蛋白质(1+2)和人体β-珠蛋白基因的5′-旁侧DNA序列内的一个负调控区域(NCR1)相互作用的构象,这类蛋白质能将线状的DNA片段(～200bp)折叠起来,形成一个环状结构(直径70±6A)和°一条似乎呈现左手螺旋(z-from)的线状DNA尾巴。     

Rh(I)-catalyzed [5+1] cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes and CO for the synthesis of α,β- and β,γ-cyclohexenones

A cationic Rh(I)-catalyzed [5 + 1] cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes and CO has been developed, affording either β,γ-cyclohexenones as major products or α,β-cyclohexenones exclusively, under different reaction conditions.     

Sodium Dithionite Reduction of 2S,5R-(-)-menthone and R-(+)-pulegone in the Presence of β-Cyclodextrin and Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Menthone on reduction with sodium dithionite,showed a good amount of mentholformation in the water/DMF system, withincreasing -cyclodextrin (-CD)concentration from 47.0% for 0.1 equivalent of-CD to 93.5% for 1 equivalentof -CD. Increasing hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin(HP-CD) gave higher menthol/neomenthol (M/N) ratiosfrom 2.8 to 3.5. In the case of pulegone,increasing -CD showed an increase in the formationof menthols in thewater/DMF system from 13.3% for 0.1 equivalent of-CD to 78.1% for 1equivalent of -CD with greater proportions ofneomenthol and neoisomenthol.However, HP-CD which showed only marginalenhancement in the formationof menthol from menthone (32.1–41%), exhibiteda greater proportion of mentholformation in the case of pulegone (55.1%).However, the phase-transfer capabilityof HP-CD was not found to be significant.     

Mn(I) in an extended oxide: the synthesis and characterization of La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(2+δ) (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1)

Reduction of La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3) (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite phases with sodium hydride yields materials of composition La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(2+δ). The calcium-rich phases (x = 0.9, 1) adopt (La(0.9)Ca(0.1))(0.5)Mn(0.5)O disordered rocksalt structures. However local structure analysis using reverse Monte Carlo refinement of models against pair distribution functions obtained from neutron total scattering data reveals lanthanum-rich La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(2+δ) (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases adopt disordered structures consisting of an intergrowth of sheets of MnO(6) octahedra and sheets of MnO(4) tetrahedra. X-ray absorption data confirm the presence of Mn(I) centers in La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(2+δ) phases with x < 1. Low-temperature neutron diffraction data reveal La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(2+δ) (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases become antiferromagnetically ordered at low temperature.     

Theoretical Investigations on the Structures and Properties of the Side-on Complexes B_2(N_2)_2 and Monocyclic B_n(N_2)_n~m (n=3～6,m=-1～+2)

The structures and energies of the side-on complexes B2(N2)2 and monocyclic Bn(N2)nm (n = 3～6,m = -1～+2) between N2 (1∑+g) and B (2P) have been investigated by the DFT-B3LYP and MP2 methods at the 6-311+G(2d) and aug-cc-pVTZ levels. The analyses of NICS (Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts),NBO (nature bond orbital),AIM (atoms in molecules) and frontal orbitals have been used to reveal the origin of coordination bond between the π-electron donor N2 group and B atom,accompanied by the comparison with the end-on complexes. The results have indicated that the side-on coordination complexes can be formed due to the relative strong fluidity of the π-electrons,and the nature of the coordination bond has been exposed to be that the N2 group offers 1πu electron to the 2p orbital of boron. The coordinate energies of the side-on complexes are less than those of the end-on complexes. Furthermore,the aromaticity of side-on coordination complex is weaker than that of the corresponding end-on coordination complex.     

Dissociation kinetics of [Fe(phen)3]2+, [Fe(bipy)3]2+ and [Fe-(4,4′-Me2bipy)3]2+ in the presence of cyanide ion in aqueous solution at pressures up to 1 kilobar

Summary Rate constants for dissociation, in aqueous solution at 25° C, of [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺, [Fe(bipy)₃]²⁺, and [Fe(4,4-Me₂bipy)₃]²⁺ in the presence of cyanide, and of the last-named complex also in the presence of hydroxide, are significantly decreased by the application of pressure (up to 1 kbar). Kinetic measurements were carried out using a high pressure cell of improved design to that used in our earlier investigations. Volumes of activation, V ^*, are scarcely sensitive to ligand or to attacking nucleophile, being in the range of 10–12 cm³ mol^–1. An explanation of these results resides in an associative mechanism, a scheme invoked for similar reactions reported previously.     

Investigations in the systems Sr–As–O–X (X = H,Cl): Preparation and crystal structure refinements of the anhydrous arsenates(V) Sr3(AsO4)2, Sr2As2O7, α- and β-SrAs2O6, and of the apatite-type phases Sr5(AsO4)3OH and Sr5(AsO4)3Cl

The previously uninvestigated atomic arrangements of six strontium arsenate(V) phases in the systems Sr-As-O-X (X = H, Cl) have been determined. Single crystals of Sr₃(AsO₄)₂ and Sr₅(AsO₄)₃Cl were grown from a borate and NaCl melt, respectively, whereas single crystals of α- and β-SrAs₂O₆ and of Sr₅-(AsO₄)₃OH were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Microcrystalline samples of Sr₂As₂O₇ were prepared by solid-state reaction of As₂O₅ with SrCO₃ and, alternatively, by thermolysis of SrHAsO₄. Crystal structure determinations based on powder X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld method (Sr₂As₂O₇), and from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (all other phases) revealed isotypism with known structure types (except β-SrAs₂O₆ which represents a new structure type). Sr₃(AsO₄)₂ crystallizes in the K₂Pb(SO₄)₂ structure type; Sr₂As₂O₇ is isotypic with the high-temperature polymorphs of Ca₂P₂O₇ and Sr₂V₂O₇, but itself shows no polymorphism; Sr₅(AsO₄)₃OH and Sr₅(AsO₄)₃Cl crystallize with the hydroxylapatite and chloroapatite structure, respectively; SrAs₂O₆ is dimorphic. Like all other known M^IIAs₂O₆ metaarsenates (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Sr, Pd, Cd, Hg, Pb), the α-polymorph crystallizes in the PbSb₂O₆ structure type, whereas the novel β-polymorph is the first example of a M^IIAs₂O₆ superstructure with a doubled c-axis. Additional analytical methods using Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses support the results of the X-ray structure work.     

Steric effect in the energy transfer reaction of oriented CO (a 3Π, v'=0, Ω=1 and 2) + NO (X 2Π) → NO (A 2Σ+, B 2Π) + CO (X 1Σ+)

The oriented CO (a (3)Π, v' = 0, Ω = 1 and 2) beam has been prepared by using an electric hexapole and applied to the energy transfer reaction of CO (a (3)Π, v' = 0, Ω = 1 and 2) + NO (X (2)Π) → NO (A (2)Σ(+), B (2)Π) + CO (X (1)Σ(+)). The emission spectra of NO (A (2)Σ(+), B(2)Π) have been measured at three orientation configurations (C-end, O-end, random). The shape of the emission spectra (and/or the internal excitation of products) turns out to be insensitive to the molecular orientation. The vibrational distributions of NO (A (2)Σ(+), v' = 0-2) and NO (B (2)Π, v' = 0-2) are determined to be N(v'=0):N(v'=1):N(v'=2) = 1:0.40 ± 0.05:0.10 ± 0.05 and N(v'=0):N(v'=1):N(v'= 2) = 1:0.6 ± 0.1:0.7 ± 0.1, respectively, and the branching ratio γ/β [=NO (A (2)Σ(+))/NO (B (2)Π)] is estimated to be γ/β ～ 0.3 ± 0.1 by means of spectral simulation. These vibrational distributions of NO (A, B) can be essentially attributed to the product-pair correlations between CO (X, v″) and NO (A (2)Σ(+), v' = 0-2), NO (B (2)Π, v' = 0-2) due to energetic restriction under the vibrational distribution of CO (X, v″) produced from the vertical transition of CO (a (3)Π, v' = 0) → CO (X, v″) in the course of energy transfer. The steric opacity function has been determined at two wavelength regions: 220 < λ < 290 nm [NO (A → X) is dominant]; 320 < λ < 400 nm [NO (B → X) is dominant]. For both channels NO (A (2)Σ(+), B(2)Π), a significant CO (a (3)Π) alignment effect is recognized; the largest reactivity at the sideways direction with the small reactivity at the molecular axis direction is observed. These CO (a (3)Π) alignment effects can be essentially attributed to the steric asymmetry on two sets of molecular orbital overlap, [CO (2π) + NO (6σ (2π))] and [CO (5σ) + NO (1π (2π))]. All experimental observations support the electron exchange mechanism that is operative through the formation of a weakly bound complex OCNO.     

Determination of Ki (i = 1–3) and μj (j = 2–6) in 5CB by observing the angular dependence of Rayleigh line spectral widths

Abstract

Using Parodi's relation, all of the Leslie viscosity coefficients, except μ₁, together with the Frank elastic constants have been measured successfully by the photon correlation spectroscopy of Rayleigh scattered light. The values so determined are in good agreement with those previously determined from shear flow experiments by Chmielewski and by Skarp et al. The polar angle dependence of mode 1 spectral width is proposed as a novel method for the measurement of μ₁ and for the experimental confirmation of Parodi's relation.     

A B3LYP and QTAIM study of a new proton donor for dihydrogen bonds: the case of the C2H5 +···nBeH2 complexes (n = 1 or 2)

B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations and molecular integrations from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) were performed for the purposes of studying a new class of dihydrogen-bonded hyperconjugation complexes formed by C₂H₅ ⁺···n(BeH₂), when n = 1 (bimolecular) or n = 2 (trimolecular). Whether bimolecular or trimolecular, when the hyperconjugation on the ethyl cation (C₂H₅ ⁺) is taken into account, this enables the earth alkaline hydride, BeH₂, to interact efficiently with the nonlocalized hydrogen (H⁺) of the C₂H₅ ⁺ . In addition to computation of QTAIM topological parameters, analysis of the infrared harmonic spectrum at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory revealed the existence of red-shifts on BeH₂, and this effect is explained by means of the atomic charges derived from the ChelpG approach. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Designing hybrid foldamers: the effect on the peptide conformational bias of β- versus α- and γ-linear residues in alternation with (1R,2S)-2-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid

Several oligomers constructed with (1R,2S)-2-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid and glycine, β-alanine, and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), respectively, joined in alternation have been synthesized and studied by means of NMR and CD experiments as well as with computational calculations. Results account for the spacer length effect on folding and show that conformational preference for these hybrid peptides can be tuned from β-sheet-like folding for those containing a C(2) or C(4) linear segment to a helical folding for those with a C(3) spacer between cyclobutane residues. The introduction of cyclic spacers between these residues does not modify the extended ribbon-type structure previously manifested in poly(cis-cyclobutane) β-oligomers.     

Theoretical Studies on the Cu-Cu Interaction and Stability of [Cu_a(Ph_2Ppy)_b(CH_3CN)_c]~(a+) (a=1～2,b=1～3,c=0～2)

To study the Cu-Cu interaction and stability of the title complexes,the structures of complexes [Cu(Ph2Ppy)(CH3CN)]+ 1,[Cu(Ph2Ppy)]+ 2,[Cu2(Ph2Ppy)2(CH3CN)2]2+ 3,[Cu2(Ph2Ppy)2(CH3CN)]2+ 4,[Cu2(Ph2Ppy)2]2+ 5 and [Cu2(Ph2Ppy)3(CH3CN)]2+ 6 were calculated by density functional theory PBE0 method,and the following conclusions can be drawn:(1) There is no orbital overlapping between two Cu atoms,indicating no Cu-Cu orbital interaction exists in complexes 3～6.Due to a breakdown of the closed shell configuration of Cu atoms,the weak Cu-Cu interactions result from the 3dCu → 4sCu' charge-transfer in 4～6.The Cu-Cu interaction strength follows 5 6 4,implying that there are stronger Cu-Cu interactions in the complexes with fewer CH3CN or more Ph2Ppy ligands.(2) The calculated interaction energies suggest that the coordination of Cu to Ph2Ppy is stronger than that to CH3CN.In 3～6,there are weaker interactions between Cu and CH3CN or Ph2Ppy in the complexes with more CH3CN or Ph2Ppy ligands.(3) The P-Cu and N-Cu interactions are much stronger than the Cu-Cu interaction,so we mainly attribute the stabilities of the binuclear complexes to the eight-membered rings Cu2P2N2C2.     

Existence of the homologous series of Y n Ba m Cu m + n O y (m = 2, 3, 5; n = 1, 2) oxides with the tetragonal and orthorhombic structures of YBa2Cu3O6 + δ

The phase composition of Y _x Ba_1?x CuO _y (x = 0.29?0.40) samples annealed in air (at 930?C990°C) and in an oxygen atmosphere (450?C800°C, P(O₂) = 101 kPa) was studied by X-ray powder diffraction, chemical analysis, electron diffraction, and elemental analysis in a transmission electron microscope. A considerable cation nonstoichiometry was discovered in particles having the tetragonal and orthorhombic structures of YBa₂Cu₃O_{6 + ??}. The variation range of particle compositions comprises matrix oxides of the Ba _m Cu _{m + n} O _y series with (Ba: Cu) 3: 5, 5: 8, 2: 3, and 5: 7, which in the presence of yttrium form the Y _n Ba _m Cu _{m + n} O _y series. Tetragonal oxides Y₂Ba₃Cu₅O _y (235), Y₃Ba₅Cu₈O _y (358), YBa₂Cu₃O _y (123), and Y₂Ba₅Cu₇O _y (257) are formed at the primary synthesis step in air and are preserved in an orthorhombic structure during short-term (1 h) oxygen annealing. Most particles of the 3: 5 and 5: 8 oxides are undersaturated with yttrium relative to the stoichiometry of the Y _n Ba _m Cu _{m + n} O _y series, those of the 2: 3 oxide correspond to this stoichiometry, and those of the 5: 7 oxide are supersaturated with yttrium over the stoichiometry. A trend is observed for the fractions of these oxides to change during long-term (5?C51 h) annealing in an oxygen atmosphere at 450°C and to the alternation of the dominant role of one of the four phases with the superconducting transition temperature T _c = 82, 85, 86, and 91 K. Each orthorhombic oxide undergoes structural transformations during oxygen annealing with a change in T _c. The coexistence of these oxides in the form of nanometer-sized domains does not allow their individual superstructures to be recognized.     

Coordination behavior of 1,4-diallylpiperazinium and 1-allyloxybenzotriazole toward silver(I) in the crystalline π-complexes [Ag2(C4H8N2(C3H5)2(H+)2)(H2O)2(NO3)2](NO3)2 and [Ag(C6H4N3(OC3H5)(NO3))]

Reactions of a solution of AgNO₃ in aqueous methanol with solutions of 1,4-diallylpiperazine (acidified with HNO₃ to pH = 4) and 1-allyloxybenzotriazole in ethanol gave the crystalline silver(I) π-complexes [Ag₂(C₄H₈N₂(C₃H₅)₂(H⁺)₂)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂](NO₃)₂ (I) and [Ag(C₆H₄N₃(OC₃H₅)(NO₃))] (II). Their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. Crystals of complexes I and II are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c; for I: a = 7.053(3)Å, b = 9.389(3)Å, c = 15.488(4)Å, β = 91.60°, V = 1025.3(6)ų, Z = 4; for II: a = 10.650(4)Å, b = 15.062(5)Å, c = 7.412(4)Å, β = 104.20(3)°, V = 1152.6(8)ų, Z = 4. In both structures, the organic components act as bidentate ligands forming with AgNO₃ 34- and 14-membered topological rings, respectively. In complex I, the nearly tetrahedral environment of the Ag(I) atom is made up of the olefinic C=C bond, the O atoms of the nitrate anions, and the water molecule. 1-Allyloxybenzotriazole in structure II causes the deformation of the coordination polyhedron of Ag into a trigonal pyramid via inclusion of the ligand N atom in its coordination sphere. The topological units of the complexes form infinite polymer layers linked by anionic NO ₃ ^? bridges. In structure I, these layers are united through a system of hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional framework.     

An analysis of the vibrational frequencies and amplitudes of the H5O+2 ion in H4SiW12O40·6H2O (TSA·6H2O) and H3PW12O40·6H2O (TPA·6H2O)

The infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectra of TSA·6H₂O and TPA·6H₂O are in agreement with those expected for the presence of H₅O⁺₂ ions. Force fields for different assignment schemes are compared with the observed vibrational frequencies and the INS spectral profile. All but two schemes are eliminated. Whilst low-resolution INS spectroscopy cannot distinguish between these two schemes, the orientations of the vibrational ellipsoids for one scheme are in better agreement with those reported from low-temperature crystallographic studies of the H₅O⁺₂ ion.     

1-tert-Butyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl fluoromethyl sulfone (TBTSO2CH2F): a versatile fluoromethylidene synthon and its use in the synthesis of monofluorinated alkenes via Julia–Kocienski olefination

1-tert-Butyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl fluoromethyl sulfone (TBTSO₂CH₂F) has been developed as a new and efficient fluoromethylidene synthon for the synthesis of both terminal and internal monofluoroalkenes via Julia–Kocienski olefination reaction. The base-mediated reaction between TBTSO₂CH₂F and carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) provided terminal monofluoroalkenes in good yields with moderate E/Z selectivity. The dominance of E- or Z-fluoroalkenes could be controlled by selection of proper reaction solvent and temperature. TBTSO₂CH₂F reagent was also found to be readily α-alkylated, acylated, and phenylsulfonylated to give corresponding α-functionalized fluorosulfones, which could be used in the synthesis of alkyl-, acyl-, and phenylsulfonyl-substituted internal monofluoroalkenes via Julia–Kocienski olefination reactions.     

Metallacumulenylidene complexes in the [(η5-C5Me5)(η2-dppe)Fe(=C(=C)nR2)]X (n = 0, 1, 2) series: investigations of the iron-carbon bonding by Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray analyses

The synthesis of the iron allenylidene complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=C=C(Ph)Ph)][X] (5a, X = PF₆, 95%; 5b, X = BPh₄, 91%; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) was achieved by reacting the complex (η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)FeCl (10) with 1 equiv of 1,1-diphenyl-prop-2-yn-1-ol in methanol in the presence of KPF₆ or NaBPh₄. Surprisingly, when the reaction was carried out in the presence of the tetraphenylborate anion, the final product contained both 5b and the hydroxyvinylidene [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=C(H)C(OH)(Ph)₂)][BPh₄] (14b) in the 1:1 ratio. Further treatment of the mixture with Amberlyst 15 in methanol provided the allenylidene 5b as a pure sample. The allenylidene complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=C=C(Me)Ph)][PF₆] (6) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=C=C(Me)Et)][PF₆] (7) were prepared according to the same procedure and they were isolated as purple powders in 90% yield. The X-ray crystal structures were determined for the vinylidene complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=CH₂)][PF₆] (3) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=C=C(Ph)H)][PF₆] (4), and the allenylidene derivative 5a. In the homogeneous series of complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η²-dppe)Fe(=(C)_n(R)R’)][PF₆], (n = 1, R = H, R′ = Me, X = PF₆, 1; n =1, R = H, R’ = OMe, X = PF₆, 2a; n = 1, R = H, R’ = OMe, X = CF₃OSO₂, 2b; n = 2, R = R′ = H, X = PF₆, 3; n = 2, R = H, R′ = Ph, X = PF₆, 4; n = 3, R = R′ = Ph, X = PF₆, 5a; n = 3, R = R′ = Ph, X = BPh₄, 5b; n = 3, R = Me, R′ = Ph, X = PF₆, 6; n = 3, R = Me, R′ = Et, X = PF₆, 7; n = 3, R = Me, R′ = OMe, X = BPh₄, 8), an empiric relationship between the Mössbauer parameters, δ and QS, was found. This observation would indicate that the positive charge on the iron nucleus decreases with the Fe=C bond order. Moreover, in this series of iron cumulenylidene derivatives, comparison of the variation of the metal–carbon bond distances determined by X-ray analyses with the Mössbauer QS values allows the observation of a linear correlation (R = 0.99). To cite this article: G. Argouarch et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Complete titanium substitution by boron in a tetragonal prism: exploring the complex boride series Ti(3-x)Ru(5-y)Ir(y)B(2+x) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 1 < y < 3) by experiment and theory

Polycrystalline samples and single crystals of four members of the new complex boride series Ti(3-x)Ru(5-y)Ir(y)B(2+x) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 1 < y < 3) were synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled copper crucible under an argon atmosphere. The new silvery phases were structurally characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as energy- and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. They crystallize with the tetragonal Ti(3)Co(5)B(2) structure type in space group P4/mbm (No. 127). Tetragonal prisms of Ru/Ir atoms are filled with titanium in the boron-poorest phase (Ti(3)Ru(2.9)Ir(2.1)B(2)). Gradual substitution of titanium by boron then results in the successive filling of this site by a Ti/B mixture en route to the complete boron occupation, leading to the boron-richest phase (Ti(2)Ru(2.8)Ir(2.2)B(3)). Furthermore, both ruthenium and iridium share two sites in these structures, but a clear Ru/Ir site preference is found. First-principles density functional theory calculations (Vienna ab initio simulation package) on appropriate structural models (using a supercell approach) have provided more evidence on the stability of the boron-richest and -poorest phases, and the calculated lattice parameters corroborate very well with the experimentally found ones. Linear muffin-tin orbital atomic sphere approximation calculations further supported these findings through crystal orbital Hamilton population bonding analyses, which also show that the Ru/Ir-B and Ru/Ir-Ti heteroatomic interactions are mainly responsible for the structural stability of these compounds. Furthermore, some stable and unstable phases of this complex series could be predicted using the rigid-band model. According to the density of states analyses, all phases should be metallic conductors, as was expected from these metal-rich borides.