High‐Resolution Photoelectron Imaging of IrB3−: Observation of a π‐Aromatic B3+ Ring Coordinated to a Transition Metal

In a high‐resolution photoelectron imaging and theoretical study of the IrB₃^? cluster, two isomers were observed experimentally with electron affinities (EAs) of 1.3147(8) and 1.937(4) eV. Quantum calculations revealed two nearly degenerate isomers competing for the global minimum, both with a B₃ ring coordinated with the Ir atom. The isomer with the higher EA consists of a B₃ ring with a bridge‐bonded Ir atom (C_s , ²A′), and the second isomer features a tetrahedral structure (C_3v , ²A₁). The neutral tetrahedral structure was predicted to be considerably more stable than all other isomers. Chemical bonding analysis showed that the neutral C_3v isomer involves significant covalent Ir?B bonding and weak ionic bonding with charge transfer from B₃ to Ir, and can be viewed as an Ir–(η³‐B₃⁺) complex. This study provides the first example of a boron‐to‐metal charge‐transfer complex and evidence of a π‐aromatic B₃⁺ ring coordinated to a transition metal.