borhydridkluster

Borhydridkluster refers to clusters of boron and hydrogen atoms that form polyhedral structures, often with complex bonding arrangements. These species are known for their diverse stoichiometries and geometries, which are typically described using Wade's rules, a set of guidelines that predict the structure of borane clusters based on the number of skeletal electrons. The simplest borohydride clusters are anionic, with the general formula [BHn]^(z). For example, the tetrahedral [BH4]⁻ ion, also known as the borohydride anion, is a fundamental building block and a common reducing agent in organic chemistry.

Larger and more intricate borohydride clusters can exist, exhibiting a range of shapes from deltahedra to more complex polyhedra. These structures are often stabilized by delocalized bonding, where electrons are shared among multiple atoms. The synthesis of these clusters can be challenging, often involving reactions of boron halides or other boron compounds with hydrides. Borohydride clusters have found applications in various fields, including catalysis, materials science, and as precursors for boron-containing materials. Their unique electronic and structural properties continue to be an active area of research in inorganic and organometallic chemistry.