closoB6H62

closoB6H62, written as closo-B6H6^2−, is a closo borane dianion consisting of six boron atoms arranged in an octahedral core with one hydrogen atom attached to each boron. The overall 2− charge reflects the electron count that stabilizes the closed, deltahedral borane framework.

Structure and symmetry

The six boron atoms form a near-regular octahedron, creating a three-dimensional, highly symmetric B6 skeleton. Each boron bears a terminal B–H bond, giving six outward-pointing B–H units. In idealized descriptions, the cluster possesses Oh symmetry, characteristic of a regular octahedral arrangement.

Electronic considerations

Closo boranes follow Wade’s rules for skeletal electron counts. For a closo cluster with n vertices, the framework requires n+1 skeletal electron pairs (2(n+1) electrons). In closo-B6H6^2−, the dianion supplies the necessary electrons to establish a delocalized, σ-bonded B6 core, with bonding described as a three-dimensional boron-hydrogen framework that distributes electrons over the cage.

Preparation and occurrence

Closo-B6H6^2− exists in salts with various cations, such as K2[B6H6], Na2[B6H6], and related species. These salts are studied as part of boron cluster chemistry and serve as reference compounds for understanding closo structures and electron delocalization in boranes.

Reactivity and applications

As a representative closo borane dianion, closo-B6H6^2− participates in coordination chemistry and serves as a building block in inorganic synthesis. It forms metal complexes and adducts, illustrating the versatility of boron clusters in materials science and catalysis research.

See also

Closo boranes; borane chemistry; Wade’s rules; octahedral chemistry.