Chapter 12

BORON

12·1 Introduction
The principal ores of boron are borates such as:
Ulexite {NaCa[B s0 6 (OH)6]'5 H 20}
Borax INa2[B40s(OH)4]'8 H 20l
Colemanite {Ca2[B304(OHhJ2'2 H 20)
Kernite {Na2[B 40 S (OH)4]'2 H 20}
The structures of borate minerals are complex and diverse, but they charac­
teristically contain trigonal B0 3 or tetrahedral B0 4 units in large boron-oxygen
anions. Some oxygen atoms in borate minerals are monoprotonated to give hy­
droxyl groups, while others are diprotonated to give waters of hydration. The
cations in such minerals are usually alkali or alkaline earth cations. The structure
of the borate anion in borax is shown in Structure 5-XXVII. Borax occurs in
large deposits in the Mojave desert of California, which is the major source of
boron.
o ionic compounds involving simple B3+ cations are formed because the
ionization enthalpies for boron are so high that lattice energies or hydration en­
thalpies cannot offset the energy required for formation of a cation. Boron does
form three covalent bonds using Sp2 hybrid orbitals in a trigonal plane. All such
BX 3 compounds are coordinatively unsaturated and act as strong Lewis acids; in­
teraction with Lewis bases (molecules or ions) gives tetrahedral adducts such as
BF3'O(C 2H s h BF~, and B(C6Hs)~. The formation of such Lewis acid-base
adducts requires a change to Sp3 hybridization for boron.
Another major feature of boron chemistry is the preponderance of com­
pounds consisting of boron atoms in closed polyhedra or in open, basketlike
arrange men ts. Often the structures are seen to be derivatives or fragmen ts of the
icosahedron. The frameworks of such molecules may include atoms other than
boron (e.g., carbon) and many of those with carbon (the carboranes) form com­
plexes with transition metals.
Among the Group IIIB(13) elements, it is the chemistry of boron that is
unique. The chemistry of boron has only a few features in common with that of
aluminum. The main resemblances to silicon and differences from the more
metallic aluminum are as follows:
1. The oxide B20 3 and B(OHh are acidic. The compound Al(OH)3 is a
basic hydroxide, although it shows weak amphoteric properties by dis­
solving in strong NaOH.
2. Borates and silicates are built on similar structural principles with sharing
of oxygen atoms so that complicated chain, ring, or other structures re­
sult.

319
320 Chapter 12 / Boron

3. The halides of Band Si (except BF3) are readily hydrolyzed. The AI

halides are solids and only partly hydrolyzed by water. All act as Lewis
acids.
4. The hydrides ofB and Si are volatile, spontaneously flammable, and read­
ily hydrolyzed. Aluminum hydride is a polymer, (AlH 3) no

12-2 Isolation of the Element

Boron forms a number of allotropes that are difficult to purity because of the
high melting points of the solids (e.g., 2250 °C for the ~-rhombohedral form)
and because of the corrosive nature of the liquid. Boron is made in 95-98% pu­
rity as an amorphous powder by reduction of the oxide B2 0 3 with Mg

(12-2.1)

followed by washing of the powder with NaOH, HCI, and HF. Other electropos­
itive metals may be used in place of Mg. Purer forms of the element are available
from the reductions of boron trihalides with zinc at 900°C, as in Reaction 12-2.2

2 BCl 3 + 3 Zn ~ 3 ZnCl 2 + 2 B (12-2.2)

or from reductions with hydrogen over hot tantalum metal as a catalyst, as in

Reaction 12-2.3

2BX 3 +3H 2 ~ 6HX+2B (12-2.3)

The several allotropes of crystalline boron all have structures built up of B12
icosahedra (Structure 8-II), one form differing from another by the manner in
which these icosahedra are packed into the unit cell.
Crystalline boron is very inert and is attacked only by hot concentrated oxi­
dizing agents. Amorphous boron is more reactive. With ammonia for instance,
amorphous boron at white heat gives (BN) x' a slippery white solid with a layer
structure resembling that of graphite, but with hexagonal rings of alternating B
and N atoms.

12-3 Oxygen Compounds of Boron

Almost all of the naturally occurring forms of boron are the oxygen-con taining
borate minerals, which are mentioned in the introduction to this chapter and in
Section 5-4. In addition, there are many types of organic derivatives containing
boron-oxygen bonds, the chief examples being those containing trigonal boron:
the orthoborates, B(OR)3; the acyl borates, B(OCOR)3; the peroxo borates,
B(OORh; and the boronic acids, RB(OHh all of which are best considered to
be derivatives of boric acid. We consider first the borate-containing compounds.

Crystalline Borates
Many borates occur naturally, usually in hydrated form. Anhydrous borates may
12-3 Oxygen Compounds of Boron 321

be made by fusion of boric acid and metal oxides. The hydrated borates may be
precipitated from aqueous solution. The stoichiometries of borates (e.g.,
KB 5 0S·4 H 20, Na2B4 0 7 ·10 H 20, CsB 20 4 , and Mg 3B7 0 13 Cl) give little idea of the
structure of the anions in these substances. The main structural principles of the
borates are similar to those for silicates: cyclic or linear polyoxo anions, formed
by the linking together of B0 3 and/ or B0 4 uni ts shared by oxygen atoms.
In crystalline borates, the most common structural units are those shown in
Fig. 12-1. Notice that the skeletal boron-oxygen units may be protonated to vary­
ing degrees, and that the boron atoms are either tetrahedral or trigonal. Recall
also the structure of the borate anion in borax, Structure 5-XXVII. The largest
discrete borate anion known is BlOO~i-, which consists of two tetraborate units
linked by two B0 3 triangles.
In anhydrous borates, the BO~- and B30~- ions are common, as is the infinite
chain anion (B02)~-' which occurs in Ca(B0 2h- Planar B0 3 units are linked in
three dimensions in the mineral tourmaline. Also common in minerals are net­
works of B60~2 and B30~- linked by shared oxygen atoms.
Hydrated borates contain polyoxo anions in the crystal, with the following im­
portant structural features.
1. Both B0 3 and tetrahedral B0 4 groups are present, the number of B0 4
units being equal to the charge on the anion. Thus KB 5 0 S·4 H 20 has one
B0 4 and four B0 3, whereas Ca 2B60 11 ·7 H 20 has four B0 4 and two B0 3
groups.
2. Anions that do not have B0 4 groups, such as metaborate, B30~-, or meta­
boric acid, B30 3(OH)3, hydrate rapidly and lose their original structures.
Also, although certain complex borates can be crystallized from solution,
this does not constitute evidence for the existence of these ions in solu­
tion, since other less complex polyoxo anions can readily combine dur­
ing the crystallization process.
3. Certain discrete as well as chain-polymer borate anions can be formed by
the linking of two or more rings by shared tetrahedral boron atoms.
Examples of many of these structural features are illustrated in Fig. 12-1.

Boric Acid
The acid B(OH)3 can be obtained as white needles either from borates, or by hy­
drolysis of boron trihalides. The B(OH)3 units are linked together by hydrogen
bonds to form infinite layers of nearly hexagonal symmetry. The layers are
3.12 A apart, and the crystals are readily cleaved along interlayer planes. Some
reactions of boric acid are given in Fig. 12-2.
When heated, boric acid loses water stepwise to form one of three forms of
metaboric acid, HB0 2. IfB(OH)3 is heated below 130°C, the so-called form-III is
obtained, which has a layer structure in which B30 3 rings are joined by hydrogen
bonding. On continued heating of form-III of HB0 2 , between 130 and
150°C, HB0 2-II is formed. This compound has a more complex structure con­
taining both B04 tetrahedra and B2 0 5 groups in chains linked by hydrogen bonds.
Finally, on heating of form-II above 150°C, cubic HB0 2 (form-I) is obtained, in
which all boron atoms are four coordinate. Complete fusion of boric acid gives the
oxide B20 3 as a glass. The melt readily dissolves metal oxides to give borate glasses.
It also reacts with silica to give the borosilicate glass known as Pyrex.
 3­
o
0]3- I r­ I
B 0 o-I!0]4­
l
o"B/ O-B/

I
0

lif~"o/B~oJ
0 0 / "0
I
B
I
B [ '"
O-B/
\
\O-B/
\
'" (".)
!')
!')
o 0/ ""0/ ""0 o 0
Monoborate, [B0 3 ]3- Diborate, [B 20 5 ]4- Triborate, [B 30 6 ]3- Polyborate, [(B0 2 ) -] n ()
';j
C
(a)
~
H ,2:" I\,)

0/ .......
H I

]2­ 6 /O_O;?B""O
~
o
o::J
0]5- cr /O""H]­ H-O
H
b
',/
H
O/O-H ""Jf'o-o I

[o
0" /
':B",
0
[
H "" ..; B",
o
H/
0 [
H- 0
\ ,/
B
/ ""0/ ""0 -H
B
H/
O
I H

[B0 4 ]5- [B(OH)4]­ [B 20(OH)6J2­ [B 2(02)2(OH)4J2­

(b)

2­
H
d
I
B
H O-H H 0 / \""0 o
\ O-B/
12­

'" O-B/ 0 \B-O

0

I
0
H/ ""B/ ""B/ ""H
I
H",;\
0" / \
/0
\0"" I/ 0/ '"H ~ /0
......B,
B
o O-B, H
I
0.... "0
\ "0/
/0 I I
0"" H"" /B..
H H o "0' /B"" 0 /H
[B 30 3(OH)5J2­ Tetraborate, [B 40 5 (OH)4J2­ Pentaborate, [B 50 6(OH)4]­
Figure 12-1 The structure of borate anions in boron-conttj,ping minerals. (a) Anions containing boron in planar
BO. units. (b) Anions containing boron in tetrahedral BO.. units. (c) Anions containing boron in both planar BO s and
I:.ec.rahedral B<J ... llnir-s.
 12-3 Oxygen Compounds of Boron 323

Peroxo borates and

Na[HB(OR)3J borate peroxo hydrates
NaHinT~B(OR)3 NH BF B20 3 , Bf,
H 20 2 4 4 Heat 3

~
f
alcohols
a202
fusIOn with NH HF 4 2

Y(OHh
heat alcohols, H 2S0 4

Heat certain polyalcohols Acidic chelate

B,o,' fu~ f~~~J:::~de, complexe'

B(OCOR)3 Borates
Acyl borates
Figure 12·2 Some reactions of boric acid.

Boric acid is readily converted to alkyl or aryl orthoborates, B(ORh, by con­

densation with alcohols in the presence of sulfuric acid. These compounds are
usually colorless liquids that are converted, in ether solvents, by alkali metal hy­
drides to the very useful reducing agents [HB(OR) sr. The reactivity and selec­
tivity of the latter as reducing agen ts can be controlled by changing the R groups.
Treatment of boric acid with sodium peroxide leads to peroxoborates, vari­
ously formulated as NaBOs'4 H 2 0 or NaB0 2 ·H 2 0 2 ·3 H 2 0, which are extensively
used in washing powders because they afford H 2 0 2 in solution. For example, in
solution there is the equilibrium shown in Reaction 12-3.1:

(12-3.1)

Boric Acid and Borate Ions in Solution

Boric acid is moderately soluble in water, where it acts as a weak Lewis acid to­
wards OH­

pK= 9.0 (12-3.2)

The B(OH):; ion occurs in many borate-type minerals, but most borates (espe­
cially those formed by fusion of boric acid with metal oxides) have complex
structures such as the ring anion (Structure 12-1). Boric acid and borates form
very stable complexes with 1,2-diols, as in Structure 12-11.

H
[
/0
HO O-B
"'" / \
HO/
B
\ /
°
O-B

12-1
'" O-H
12-11
324 Chapter 12 I Boron

The concentration of boric acid can be determined by complexation with a diol

such as glycerol (Reaction 12-3.3)

HO OH
\1 II -
c-o O-C
I I
B(OHh + 2 C-C
1\ 1\
~ HgO+ + I ~< I + 2 H 20 (12-3.3)
C-O O-C
II 1\
followed by titration with NaOH.
As noted previously, in concentrated solutions of boric acid, polyoxo borate
anions are also present. These are formed, for example, as in equilibrium 12-3.4.

(12-3.4)

Equilibria between various borate anions is rapidly established in aqueous solu­

tion, as shown by rapid exchange between B(OH)glabeled with 180 and borates.
The larger polyoxo anions BS06(OH)~ and B40S(OH)~- are formed at higher
pH. In dilute solutions, however, de polymerization to the mononuclear species
occurs. Thus when borax is dissolved in dilute solution, B(OH)~(aq) is formed.

12-4 The Halides of Boron

Trihalides
Boron trifluoride is a pungent, colorless gas (bp -101°C) that is obtained by heat­
ing B20 g with NH 4BF4, or with CaF 2 and concentrated H 2 S0 4, It is commercially
available in tanks.
Boron trifluoride is one of the strongest Lewis acids known and reacts read­
ily with most Lewis bases, such as ethers, alcohols, amines, or water to give
adducts, and with F- to give the tetrafluoroborate ion, BF~. The diethyletherate,
(C2Hs)20BFg, a viscous liquid, is available commercially. Unlike the other
halides, BFg is only partially hydrolyzed by water:

4 BFg + 6 H 2 0 = 3 HgO+ + 3 BF~ + B(OH)g (12-4.1)

BF~ + H 20 = [BFgOH]- + HF (12-4.2)

Because of this, and its potency as a Lewis acid, BFg is widely used to promote var­
ious organic reactions. Examples are
1. Ethers or alcohols + acids ---t esters + H 2 0 or ROH.
2. Alcohols + benzene ---t alkylbenzenes + H 2 0.
3. Polymerization of alkenes and alkene oxides such as propylene oxide.
4. Friedel-Crafts-like acylations and alkylations.
In (1) and (2) the effectiveness of BFg must depend on its ability to form an
adduct with one or both of the reactants, thus lowering the activation energy of
the rate-determining step in which H 2 0 or ROH is eliminated by breaking of
c-o bonds. In reactions of type (4), intermediates may be characterized at low
temperatures. Thus the interaction of benzene and C 2H sF proceeds as in
12-4 The Halides of Boron 325

Reaction 12-4.3. It is clear that BF3 is not actually a catalyst, since it must be pre­
sent in stoichiometric amount and is consumed in removing HF as HBF 4 .

Fluoroboric acid solutions are formed on dissolving B(OHh in aqueous HF

(12-4.4)

The commercial solutions contain 40% acid. Fluoroboric acid is a strong acid
and cannot, of course, exist as HBF4 . The ion is tetrahedral and fluoroborates re­
semble the corresponding perchlorates in their solubilities and crystal struc­
tures. Like CIO:; and PF 6, the anion has a low tendency to act as a ligand toward
metal ions in aqueous solution. In nonaqueous media, there is evidence for com­
plex formation.
Boron trichloride (bp 12°C) and the bromide (bp 90°C) are obtained by direct
interaction at elevated temperatures. They fume in moist air and are violently hy­
drolyzed by water.

(12-4.5)

The rapid hydrolysis supports other evidence that these halides are stronger
Lewis acids than BF3 .

Reactions of the Trihalides of Boron

As already mentioned, the boron trihalides are Lewis acids, and they readily
react with Lewis bases to form adducts. Two other important reactions that we
shall consider are halide exchange among the trihalides themselves, and the
elimination of HX from adducts of the trihalides when an acidic hydrogen is
available.

Formation of Adducts with Lewis Bases

Even the weakest of bases will form adducts with the trihalides of boron.
Ethers, amines, phosphines, alcohols, anions, carbon monoxide, and the like all
form adducts by donation of an electron pair to boron. The rehybridization of
boron that accompanies adduct formation results in a loss in BX double-bond
character, as shown in Fig. 12-3. When the Lewis donor is trimethylamine, the en­
thalpy change for adduct formation, as in Reaction 12-4.6,

(12-4.6)

is most negative for BBr3 and least negative for BFs . We would expect that the
higher electronegativity of fluorine should enhance the stability of the trimethyl­
326 Chapter 12 I Boron

x r:
~B-X
D
~
x~ /
B
D

/ X/'"X
X
sp2 Boron sp3 Boron

Figure 12·3 The reaction

of a trigonal trihalide of
boron with a Lewis base (:D)
to give a tetrahedral adduct.
The rehybridization of boron
that is required when :D dis­
rupts the B-X 1t bond in the
BX3 reactant.

amine adduct with BF3 . Since the enthalpy of adduct formation is least favorable
with BF3, however, it is concluded that the loss in BX double-bond character
upon rehybridization to form an adduct is greater with BF3 than in the other tri­
halides. From this we can conclude that the double-bond character in the tri­
halides follows the order BF3 > BC1 3 > BBr3, a trend opposite to that expected
from the electronegativities of the halides. (Recall that the double bond in BX3
results from donation of 1t-electron density from X into an empty 2p atomic or­
bital of an sp2-hybridized boron atom. The 1t-bond system in these sorts of mole­
cules was discussed in Section 3-6.) Evidently the 1t-bond system in BFs is espe­
cially strong because of effective overlap between the boron 2p and the fluorine
2p atomic orbitals-overlap that is effective because of the closely matched en­
ergies and sizes of the orbitals. The 3p and 4p atomic orbitals of Cl and Br have
the proper symmetry for 1t overlap with the 2p atomic orbital of B in the com­
pounds BXs, but the 1t overlap is less effective because the energies and sizes of
the 1t-donor orbitals (3P for chlorine and 4p for bromine) are not well matched
to those of the 1t-acceptor (2p) orbital of boron.

Halide Exchange Reactions Among the Boron Trihalides

Mixtures of two differen t trihalides of boron undergo exchange of halide as
illustrated in Reaction 12-4.7.

(12-4.7)

The position of equilibrium in Reaction 12-4.7 lies mostly to the left, but small
amounts of the exchange products can be detected spectroscopically. The tri­
fluoride undergoes halide exchange less readily than BBr3 and BCI 3. No inter­
mediates have been detected, but it is reasonable to propose that the exchange
involves the type of dimeric structure shown in Structure 12-IlI. Such a dimer
would be similar to Al 2Cl 6 (Structure 6-1).

B\ _----.Cl'" / C l
........... B~ _-,.B'\.
Br........ Br" ~Cl
12-III
12-4 The Halides of Boron 327

Equilibria of the type illustrated by Reaction 12-4.7 are established rapidly,

and only small amounts of the exchange products can be detected. Attempts to
isolate the exchange products from such systems are not successful because of
the facile nature of the equilibria. Thus, no pure mixed halide of boron is
known. A concerted mechanism, as illustrated in Structure 12-111, would be con­
sistent with all of the facts as long as the new, bridging BX bonds that form the
dimer are weak.

Elimination Reactions of BX3 Adducts

When an acidic hydrogen is presen t in an adduct of BX3 , elimination of HX
is possible, as illustrated in the following reactions. Solvolysis of BCl 3 by alcohols
involves adduct formation followed by elimination of HCI as in Reaction 12-4.8.

(12-4.8)

Stepwise addition and elimination eventually leads to complete solvolysis as in

Reaction 12-4.9:

(12-4.9)

The dimethylamine adduct of BCl 3 undergoes elimination of HCI to give an

aminoborane as in Reaction 12-4.10.

(12-4.10)

Aminoboranes, and in particular, the nature of the BN bond in aminoboranes,

will be discussed in Section 12-6.

Subhalides of Boron
A number of interesting subhalides of boron, in which the proportion of halo­
gen to boron is less than 3:1, are known. The best characterized are
1. The gaseous monohalides BF and BCI.
2. The so-called monohalides of CI, Br, and 1: BnCl n (n = 8, 9, 10, or 11);
BnBr n (n= 7, 8, 9, or 10); and B n1n (n= 8 or 9).
3. The diboron tetrahalides, B2 X 4 , X = F, CI, Br, or I, although the last one
has been little studied.
4. Certain other fluorides: B3 F5 , BsF 12 , and B14F 1S '
All of these require special synthetic techniques to avoid reactions with air, water,
and even hydrocarbon or silicone greases. For instance, the diboron tetrahalides
are pyrophoric, water sensitive, and thermally unstable either at room tempera­
ture (B 2 F 4 , B2 C1 4 , or B2 Br4 ) or at the melting point (B 2 I 4 ). The compounds have
been characterized by mass spectrometry, and by IR and Raman spectroscopies
in the solid, liquid, and gas. In some cases (see below), structures have been de­
termined by X-ray crystallography.
Boron monochloride, BCI, is produced when B2 Cl 4 is passed rapidly through
a quartz tube at 1000 0c. It is also obtained by electric discharge ofB 2 Cl 4 at a cop­
per electrode, at liquid nitrogen temperature. Boron monofluoride, BF, is pro­
duced by passing BF3 gas over boron at 1950-2000 °C.
328 Chapter 12 / Boron

Diboron tetrafluoride (B 2 F4 ) is made by fluorination of B2 Cl 4 with either SbF3

or TiF4 • Also, condensation of BF together with BFg converts about 25% of the
BF to B2 F4 . Triboron pentafluoride (BgFs ) is obtained by condensing BF with
B2 F4 • Disproportionation of liquid BgFS at -30°C gives BsF12 , as in Reaction 12­
4.11:

(12-4.11)

which may then be separated from B2 F4 by fractional distillation.

Diboron tetrachloride (B 2 CI 4 ) is made from BClg by radiofrequency discharge
in the presence of mercury, as in Reaction 12-4.12.

(12-4.12)

This compound can also be made by condensation of gaseous B2 0 2 with BCIg at

-196°C, as in Reaction 12-4.13.

(12-4.13)

Condensation of BCI with BCIg at -196°C gives B4 C1 4 . Boron monochloride is

produced when B2 Cl 4 is rapidly passed through a quartz tube at 1000 °C. It is also
obtained from B2 Cl 4 by electric discharge from copper electrodes at liquid ni­
trogen temperatures. The thermal decomposition of B2 Cl 4 at temperatures be­
tween 100 and 450°C gives a mixture of BnCl n compounds in which n = 8, 9, 10,
or 11, from which the individual compounds may be separated. The relative
amounts of the various compounds produced by this method depend on the
temperature used. Recently, BgXg molecules (X = H, CI, Br, or I, but not F) have
been prepared by oxidation of BgX~- ions using sulfuryl chloride in CH 2 CI 2 ,
starting with the salts [n-Bu 4 N] 2 [BgXg].
Diboron tetrabromide (B 2 Br4 ) is made by radiofrequency discharge of BBrg(g)
in the presence ofHg, or by treating B2 CI 4 with excess BBrg. It decomposes read­
ily at room temperature to produce B7Br7' BgBrg, and BlOBr lO . Reaction of BsCls
with Al 2Br6 in BBrg solvent at 100°C affords BsBrs. Through silent electric dis­
charge, B2 Br4 gives BgBrg and BBrg.
Diboron tetraiodide (B 214 ) is obtained by radiofrequency discharge of BIg. It is
also produced (among other compounds) by reacting 12 with Zr(BH 4 )4 (Fig.
12-7). Above its melting point (92-94 0C), B214 decomposes to give BgIg and BsIs.
In the low-temperature crystal, both B2 F4 and B2 Cl 4 are planar, with XBX an­
gles close to 120°. In the case ofB 2 C1 4 , the planarity in the crystal is evidently due
to crystal packing forces that overcome the steric considerations that would oth­
erwise favor a staggered conformation. This can be deduced from the fact that
in the liquid and the gas, the staggered conformation (Structure 12-IV) is pre­
ferred, with a barrier to rotation about the B-B bond of 1.85 kcal mol-I. There
has been some disagreement over the liquid and gas phase structures of B2 F4 ,
but recently Raman and IR analysis suggested that it is planar in the liquid and
gas too, with an exceedingly small barrier « 1.1 kcal mol-I) to rotation about the
B-B bond. This is in agreement with theoretical calculations.
X X
"
/
B-B ".'
~
X X
12-IV
12-4 The Halides of Boron 329

In both B2 C1 4 and B2 F4 , the B-X bonds are somewhat shorter than is ex­
pected from the sum of the single-bond covalent radii. This suggests a delocal­
ized n-bond system as in Structure 12-V
+X X
~ - - /
B-B
/ ~
X X+
12-V

Such a n-bond system, when conjugated across the B-B bond, should favor pla­
nar geometry. Evidently, in the case of B2 C1 4 (though not for B2 F4 ), this is out­
weighed by steric considerations that should favor the staggered form.
The tetrahedral structure of B4 C1 4 (Structure 12-VI) has been determined
by X-ray crystallography and by IR and Raman spectroscopy in the gas phase.
Similarly, a dodecahedron forms the basis for the structure of BsCl s (Structure
12-VII), whereas BgClg (Structure 12-VIII) is based on a tricapped trigonal
prism.

12-Vl

12-VlI

12-VlII
330 Chapter 12 I Boron

12·5 The Hydrides of Boron

Boranes
Boron forms an extensive series of molecular hydrides called boranes. Typical bo­
ranes are B2 H 6 , B4 H lO , BgH 1S ' B lO H 14 , and B20 H 16 . Boranes were first prepared
between 1912 and 1936 by Alfred Stock who developed vacuum line techniques
to handle these reactive materials. Stock's original synthesis (the reaction of
Mg g B2 with acid) is now superseded for all but B6 HJO. Most syntheses now involve
thermolysis of B2 H 6 under varied conditions, often in the presence of hydrogen.
The properties of some boranes are listed in Table 12-1. The nomenclature
that is used for boranes is straightforward: the number of boron atoms is indi­
cated by the prefix, and the number of hydrogen atoms is indicated parentheti­
cally. For example, B4 H 10 is tetraborane (l0).

Diborane (6 )
Diborane(6) (B 2 H 6 ) is a gas (bp -92.6 0c) that is spontaneously flammable
in air and instantly hydrolyzed by H 2 0 to H 2 and boric acid. It is obtained virtu­
ally quantitatively in ether, at room temperature, by the reaction of sodium boro­
hydride with BFg , as in Reaction 12-5.1.

(12-5.1)

Laboratory quantities may be prepared by oxidation of sodium borohydride by

iodine in diglyme, as in Eq. 12-5.2.

(12-5.2)

Industrial quantities are prepared at high temperatures by reduction of BFg with

sodium hydride.

(12-5.3)

Borane (BH g ) has only a transient existence in the thermal decomposition of di­
borane.

(12-5.4)

Reactions of diborane are discussed later in Section 12-5. Note that diborane
is an extremely versatile reagent for the synthesis of organoboranes, which in
turn are very useful intermediates in organic synthesis. Diborane is also a pow­
erful reducing agent for some functional groups, for example, aldehydes and or­
ganic nitriles.

Higher Boranes
The heavier boranes (e.g., B6 H lO ) are mainly liquids whose flammability in
air decreases with increasing molecular weight. One of the most important is de­
caborane (B JO H 14 ), a solid (mp 99.7 0c) that is stable in air and only slowly hy­
drolyzed by water. It is obtained by heating B2 H 6 at 100°C and is an important
starting material for the synthesis of the BlOHio anion and carboranes discussed
later.
Table 12·1 Important Properties of Some Boranes !')

0.
Melting Boiling Reaction Reaction
with .....
Point Point with Air Thermal '::1'
C\)
Formula Name (0C) (0C) (at 25°C) Stability Water ::I:
'<
B2 H 6 Diborane(6) -164.85 -92.59 Spontaneously Fairly stable at 25°C Instant hydrolysis ~
flammable
a:
C\)
en
B4 H lO Tetraborane (10) -120 18 Not spontaneously Decomposes fairly Hydrolysis in 24 h
9­
flammable if pure rapidly at 25°C DI
BsHg Pentaborane (9) -46.6 48 Spontaneously Stable at 25°C; slow Hydrolyzed only on 0
flammable decomposition 150°C heating
a
j

BsH I l Pentaborane (II) -123 63 Spon taneously Decomposes very rapidly Rapid hydrolysis
flammable at 25°C
B6 H 1o Hexaborane(10) - 62.3 108 Spontaneously Slow decomposition Hydrolyzed only on
flammable at 25°C heating
B6 H 12 Hexaborane (12) -82.3 80-90 - Liquid stable few hours Quantitative, to give
at 25°C B4 H lO , B(OHh H 2
BsH l2 Octaborane (12) - 20 - - Decomposes above -20°C
BsH IS Octaborane(18) - - - Unstable
BgH IS Enneaborane (15) 2.6 - Stable
BlO H I4 Decaborane(14) 99.7 213 (extrap.) Very stable Stable at 150°C Slow hydrolysis

(..)
(..)
-'
332 Chapter 12 I Boron

Structure and B'onding in the Boranes

The structures of the boranes are unlike those of other hydrides, such as
those of carbon, and are unique. A few of them are shown in Fig. 12-4. Observe
that in none are there sufficient electrons to allow the formation of conventional
two-electron bonds between all adjacent pairs of atoms (2c-2e bonds). There is
thus the problem of electron deficiency. It was to rationalize the structures ofbo­
ranes that the earliest of the various concepts of multicenter bonding (Chapter
3) were first developed.

Figure 12-4 The structures of some boranes.

12-5 The Hydrides of Boron 333

For diborane itself (3c-2e) bonds are required to explain the B-H-B
bridges. The terminal B-H bonds may be regarded as conventional (2c-2e)
bonds. Thus, each boron atom uses two electrons and two roughly Sp3 orbitals to
form (2c-2e) bonds to two hydrogen atoms. The boron atom in each BH 2 group
still has one electron and two hybrid orbitals for use in further bonding. The
plane of the two remaining orbitals is perpendicular to the BH 2 plane. When two
such BH 2 groups approach each other, as is shown in Fig. 12-5, with hydrogen
atoms also lying in the plane of the four empty orbitals, two B-H-B (3c-2e)
bonds are formed. The total of four electrons required for these bonds is pro­
vided by the one electron carried by each H atom and by each BH 2 group.
We have just seen that two structure-bonding elements are used in B2 H 6 ,
namely, (2c-2e) BH groups and (3c-2e) BHB groups. To account for the struc­
tures and bonding of the higher boranes, these elements, as well as three others,
are required. The three others are (2c-2e) BB groups, (3c-2e) open BBB
groups, and (3c-2e) closed BBB groups. These five structure-bonding elements
are conveniently represented in the following way:

Terminal (2c-2e) boron-hydrogen bond B-H

H

(3c-2e) Hydrogen bridge bond

n
B B
(2c-2e) Boron-boron bond B-B

Open (3c-2e) B-B-B bond

~B
B

Closed (3c-2e) boron bond

By using these five elements, W. N. Lipscomb was able to develop "semi­

topological" descriptions of the structures and bonding in all of the boranes.
The scheme is capable of elaboration into a comprehensive, semipredictive tool
for correlating all the structural data. Figure 12-6 shows a few examples of its use
to depict known structures.

Figure 12-5 A diagram showing the formation of

two bridging (3c-2e) B-H-B bonds in diborane.
334 Chapter 12 / Boron

H
I
H/B~H
H,,( )/H
H/( l"H
H~B~H
I
H
B 4 H IO
Figure 12-6 Valence descriptions of some electron deficient boranes
using Lipscomb's "semi topological" scheme.

The semitopological scheme does not always provide the best description of
bonding in the boranes, and related species such as the polyhedral borane an­
ions and carboranes we shall discuss later. Where there is symmetry of a high
order it is often better to think in terms of a highly delocalized MO description
of the bonding. For instance, in BsH g (Fig. 12-4), where the four basal boron
atoms are equivalently related to the apical boron atom, it is possible to depict a
~
resonance hybrid involving the localized B Band B-B elements, namely,

B B B B

X~X
B B B B
but it is neater and simpler to formulate a set of seven five-center MO's with the
lowest three occupied by electron pairs. When one approaches hypersymmetri­
cal species! such as B 12 Hi;;, use of the full molecular symmetry in an MO treat­
ment becomes the only practical course.

Reactions of the Boranes

The boranes undergo an impressive variety of reactions including oxidations
to oxides, pyrolysis to higher boranes, attack by nucleophiles and electrophiles,
12-5 The Hydrides of Boron 335

reduction to borane anions, and reactions with bases such as OH- and NH 3. In
some cases it is useful to view at least the substitutions as being either reactions
of terminal BH groups or of bridging BHB groups. We shall restrict our atten­
tion to three illustrative systems: diborane(6) , B2H 6 ; pentaborane(9) , BSHg ; and
decaborane (14), BlO H 14 .

Diborane(6), B2 H 6 . Controlled pyrolysis of diborane leads to most of the

higher boranes. Reaction with oxygen is extremely exothermic.

!1H= -2160 kJ mor l (12-5.5)

Reaction of diborane with water is instantaneous.

(12-5.6)

Diborane is also hydrolyzed by weaker acids (e.g., alcohols), as in Reaction

12-5.7.

(12-5.7)

Reaction with HCI replaces a terminal H with Cl

(12-5.8)

and reaction with chlorine gives the trichloride, as in Reaction 12-5.9.

(12-5.9)

The electron deficient 3c-2e BHB bridges are sites of nucleophilic attack.
Small amines such as NH 3, CH 3NH 2, and (CH3)2NH give unsymmetrical cleav­
age of diborane, as in Reaction 12-5.10.

(12-5.10)

The boronium ion products, [H 2BL2J+, are tetrahedral, and can undergo substi­
tution by other bases, as in Reaction 12-5.11.

(12-5.11)

Large amines, such as (CH3)3N and pyridine, give symmetrical cleavage of dibo­
rane, as in Reaction 12-5.12.

(12-5.12)

The amine borane products from symmetrical cleavage of diborane are Lewis
base adducts of BH 3. Amine boranes will be discussed more in Section 12-6.
Reduction of diborane can be accomplished with sodium

(12-5.13)
336 Chapter 12 / Boron

or with sodium borohydride

(12-5.14)

Reductions of diborane with sodium borohydride can also lead to higher borane
anions, as in Reaction 12-5.15.

(12-5.15)

The polyhedral borane anion B12 Hi2 has icosahedral geometry. Other polyhe­
dral borane anions and carboranes will be discussed shortly.

Pentaborane(9), BsHg • Pentaborane(9) has the structure shown in Fig. 12-4.

The apical boron is bonded to a single terminal hydrogen atom, while each of
the four basal borons is bonded to one terminal hydrogen atom and to two
bridging hydrogen atoms. The relative electron deficiency in the basal plane is
illustrated by reaction of BsH g with base, as in Reaction 12-5.16.

(12-5.16)

Higher boranes are even more acidic than BsHg . The anionic product of
Reaction 12-5.16 (Structure 12-IX) is fluxional (Section 6-6) due to rapid cycling

of bridging hydrogen atoms. Thus the basal boron atoms are indistinguishable
using NMR techniques, as are the bridging hydrogen atoms.
The relatively electron-rich apical BH group of pentaborane(9) is suscepti­
ble to attack by electrophiles, as in Reaction 12-5.17.

(12-5.17)

Decaborane(I4), B lO H I4 . The structure of decaborane(14) is shown in Fig.

12-4. Four electron deficient bridging BHB groups cap the top of this icosahe­
dral fragment, making this part of the molecule the preferred site for attack by
nucleophiles. As for pentaborane (9), it is the bridging hydrogen atoms that are
acidic.

(12-5.18)

Reduction by sodium converts two of the bridging hydrogen atoms at the top of
12-5 The Hydrides of Boron 337

the molecule to terminal hydrogen atoms.

(12-5.19)

Nucleophiles react to give 6,9-disubstituted products as in Reactions 12-5.20 to

12-5.22:

BlO H 14 + 2 C - ~ BlOH12(CN)~- + H 2 (12-5.20)

B 10 H 14 + 2 CHsCN ~ B IOH 12 (NCCH s )2 + H 2 (12-5.21)
B IOH 14 + 2 PRs ~ BIOH 12 (PRsh + H 2 (12-5.22)

In contrast to reactions with nucleophiles, decaborane(14) reacts with elec­

trophiles to give 2,4- or 1,3-disubstituted products. An example is shown in
Reaction 12-5.23.

(12-5.23)

Charge distribution calculations using MO theory indicate that considerable ex­

cess negative charge should be assigned to boron atoms 1, 2, 3, and 4, with pos­
itive charge assigned to the electron deficient positions elsewhere in the mole­
cule. It is thus gratifying that experiments show consistently that only positions
1, 2, 3, and 4 can be substituted electrophilically.

The Tetrahydroborate Ion (BH 4)

The tetrahydroborate ion (BH4) is the simplest of a number of borohydride an­
ions. This ion is of great importance as a reducing agent and as a source ofH- ion
both in inorganic and organic chemistry; derivatives such as [BH(OCHs)s]- and
[BHsCN] - are also useful, the latter because it can be used in acidic solutions.
Borohydrides of many metals have been made and some representative syn­
theses are:
~250°C-
4 NaH + B(OCHs)s ) NaBH 4 + 3 NaOCH s (12-5.24)
THF
aH + B(OCHs)s ) NaBH(OCHs)s (12-5.25)
ether
2 LiH+B 2H 6 ) 2 LiBH 4 (12-5.26)
heat
AlCl s + 3 NaBH 4 ) Al(BH 4)s+3NaCl (12-5.27)

UF4 +2 Al(BH 4)s ) U (BH 4 )4 + 2 AlF2 BH 4 (12-5.28)

The most important salt is NaBH 4. This is a white crystalline solid, which is sta­
ble in dry air, and nonvolatile. It is insoluble in diethyl ether but dissolves in
H 20, THF, and ethyleneglycol ethers from which it can be crystallized.
Many borohydrides are ionic, containing the tetrahedral BH4: ion. However,
BH4: can serve as a ligand, interacting more or less covalently with metal ions, by
bridging hydrogen atoms. Thus in (PhsP)2CuBH4 there are two Cu-H-B
bridges, whereas in Zr(BH 4)4, each BH 4 forms three bridges to Zr, as shown in
Fig. 12-7. These M-H-B bridges are (3c-2e) bonding systems.
338 Chapter 12 I Boron

Figure 12-1 The structure of

Zr(BH 4 )4' [Taken from Bird, P. H. and
Churchill, M. R.,J. Chem. Soc., Chem.
Commun., 1967,403. Used with permis­
sion.]

Polyhedral Borane Anions and Carboranes

The polyhedral borane anions have the formula BnH~-. The carboranes may be
considered to be formally derived from BnH~- by replacement of BH- by the iso­
electronic and isostructural CH. Thus two replacements lead to neutral mole­
cules (B n- 2 C 2 H n). Carboranes or derivatives with n = 5 to n = 12 are known, in
some of which two or more isomers may be isolated. Sulfur and phosphorus de­
rivatives can also be obtained, with PH+, for example, replacing CH or BH-.
. Geometrically, there are three broad classes of boranes or carboranes.
1. Those in which the boron or boron-carbon framework forms a regular
polyhedron. These are called eloso (Greek for cage) compounds.
2. Those in which the boron or boron-carbon framework has the structure
of a regular polyhedron with one vertex missing. These are called nido
(nest) compounds.
3. Those in which the boron or boron-carbon framework has the structure
of a regular polyhedron with two vertices missing. These are termed
arachno (spider web) compounds.

A systematic method for counting electrons and for organizing structures in

these and other classes of compounds will be presented in Section 12-7. For now,
examples of some important eloso and nido borane anions and carboranes are
presented in Fig. 12-8. Structures of some other nido and arachno compounds
have already been presented, for example nido-BSH g and arachno-B 4 H lO in Fig.
12-4.

B"H;'- Ions. The most stable and best studied ions are BIOHio and B I2 Hi;,
which can be synthesized by the reactions
12-5 The Hydrides of Boron 339

(12-5.29)
(12-5.30)

The most important general reaction of the anions is attack by electrophilic

reagents such as Br+, C6H5N~, and RCO+, in strongly acid media. The BIOHio ion
is more susceptible to substitution than B12Hi;.

Bn _ 2 C2 H n Carboranes. The most important carboranes are 1,2- and 1,7-di­

carba-closo-dodecaborane (B IO C 2H 12 ) and their Gsubstituted derivatives. The 1,2
isomer may be obtained by the reactions

B lO H 14 + 2 R 2S = B IO H 12 (R2S)2 + H 2 (12-5.31)
B lO H 12 (R2S)2 + RC-CR' = 1,2-B IO H IO C 2RR' + 2 R2S + H 2 (12-5.32)

On heating at 450°C the 1,2 isomer rearranges to the 1,7 isomer.

Derivatives may be obtained from BlO C 2H 12 by replacement of the CH hy­
drogen atoms by Li. The dilithio derivatives react with many other reagents
(Scheme 12-1) where a self-explanatory abbreviation is used for B10 H IO C 2.
H-COC-H C H Li Li-COC-Li co H0 2C-C C-C0 H
'V 4 9) 'V ------4 V
O 2

BlO H IO BIOH IO BlO H IO

ON-C-C- NO
~11'~ I-C-C-I HOH C-C-C-CH OH
V V 2 V 2

BIOH IO BIOH IO BlO H IO

Scheme 12-1
An enormous number of compounds has been made, one of the main mo­
tives being the incorporation of the thermally stable carborane residues into
high polymers, such as silicones, in order to increase the thermal stability.
Chlorinated carboranes can be obtained directly from B IO C 2H IO R 2.
J
B9C2H~:;"nCarborane Anions. When the 1,2- and 1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecabo­
ranes are heated with alkoxide ions, degradation occurs to form isomeric nido­
carborane anions (B g C 2H 12 ).

This removal of a BH2+ unit from B lO C 2H 12 may be interpreted as a nucle­

ophilic attack at the most electron-deficient boron atoms of the carborane.
Molecular orbital calculations show that the C atoms in carboranes have consid­
erable electron-withdrawing power. The most electron-deficient B atoms are
those adjacent to carbon. In 1,2-B IO C 2H 12 these will be in positions three and six
while in 1,7-B IO C 2H 12 they will be at positions two and three.
While alkoxide ion attack produces only Bg C 2H I2 , use of the very strong
base NaH forms the Bg C 2Hii ions.

(12-5.34)

The structures of the isomeric Bg C 2Hii ions are shown in Fig. 12-9. The Bg C 2Hii
340 Chapter 12 / Boron

4~--1---~2 2
4
2
6 5

10 6 12
BlOH lO 2-(B 8C 2H lO ) BllH1l2-(BgC2Hll) B12H122-(BlOC2H12)

(a)

(b)
 12-5 The Hydrides of Boron 341

(c)

Figure 12·8 The structures of selected boranes and carboranes. (a) The triangulated regular
polyhedra, which serve as the framework structures for the closo borane anions, BnH~-, and for
the neutral, isoelectronic carboranes, C2Bn-2Hn. Conventional numbering schemes are indicated.
Each vertex B or C atom is bonded to a terminal H atom, which is not shown. (b) Selected nido
carboranes. Note the presence of both terminal B-H (or C-H) groups and bridging B-H-B
groups in these nido carboranes, as well as in the nido boranes shown in Fig. 12-4. (c) Selected
arachno carboranes. Note, for the arachno carboranes shown here, as well as for the arachno bo­
ranes shown in Fig. 12-4, the additional presence of boron atoms bound to two terminal H
atoms, namely, BH 2 groups.

ions are very strong bases and readily acquire H+ to give Bg C 2H'12' These, in turn,
can be protonated to form the neutral nido-carboranes B9C 2H 13 , which are
strong acids.

(12-5.35 )

Heating B9C 2H 13 gives yet another closo-carborane (B 9C2H]]) with loss of hydrogen.
Metal Complexes ofCarborane Anians. The open pentagonal faces of the Bg C 2Hil
ions (Fig. 12-9) were recognized by M. F. Hawthorne in 1964 to bear a strong re­
semblance structurally and electronically to the cyclopentadienyl ion (CsH The s).
latter forms strong bonds to transition metals, as we discuss in Chapter 29.
Interaction of Na2Bg C2H ll with metal compounds such as those of Fe 2+ or
C0 +thus leads to species isoelectronic with ferroc~ne, (CSHS)2Fe, or the
3

cobalticinium ion, (CSHS)2CO+, namely, (B9C2Hll)2Fe2- and (B9C2Hll)2CO~, re­

spectively. The iron complex undergoes reversible oxidation like ferrocene:

[(CSHS)2FeIII]+ + e- = [(CSHS)2Fell]O (12-5.36)

[(B9C2Hll)2Fe]- + e- = [(B 9C 2H ll hFer- (12-5.37)
342 Chapter 12 I Boron

Figure 12-9 The isomeric nido-l,2- and nido-l,7-carborane anions (B 9 C 2Hii).

The formal nomenclature for the Bg C 2 Hil ion and its complexes is unwieldy and
the trivial name"dicarballide" ion was proposed (from the Spanish alla for pot, re­
ferring to the potlike shape of the B9 C 2 cage).
The structures of two types of bis(dicarbollide) metal complexes are shown
in Fig. 12-10. While some complexes have a symmetrical "sandwich" structure
[Fig. 12-10 (a)] others have the metal disposed unsymmetrically.
Finally, comparable with T]s-CsHsMn(COh (Chapter 29), there are mixed
complexes with only one dicarbollide unit and other ligands such as CO,
(C6Hs)4C4' and CsH s [Fig. 12-10(b)].

ra) rh)

Figure 12-10 (a) The general structure ofbis(dicarbollide)

metal complexes. (b) An example'ofa mono (dicarbollide) com­
plex of palladium.
 12-6 Boron-Nitrogen Compounds 343

12-6 Boron-Nitrogen Compounds

Here we describe three types ofB-N compounds, each of which is analogous to
C-C compounds, but with some differences. Since the covalent radius and the
electronegativity of carbon are each intermediate between those ofB and N, it is
to be expected that C-C compounds will be similar to, but less polar than, their
isoelectronic B-N counterparts. We shall consider amine boranes (analogous
to alkanes), aminoboranes (analogous to alkenes), and borazines (analogous to
benzenes).

Amine Boranes
Amine boranes are Lewis acid-base adducts containing a boron-nitrogen donor
bond. Both boron and nitrogen are typically tetrahedral, and the B-N bond
length is comparable to the C-C bond lengths found in simple alkanes such as
ethane. Amine boranes are formed by symmetrical cleavage of diborane or by re­
action of ammonium salts as in Reaction 12-6.1.

(12-6.1)

The B-N bond strength varies from one adduct to another. The weakest B-N
bonds are represented as in Structure 12-X, where an arrow indicates a slight
donor 4 acceptor interaction. More complete sharing of nitrogen electrons
with boron is represented by Structure 12-XI, which is expected to be polar.

"-. / "-. + - /
-N--->B­ -N-B­
/ "-. / "-.
12-X 12-XI

Steric hindrance can prevent the formation of some adducts, for example,
:},6-dimethylpyridine with trimethylborane. Diadducts can be obtained, as in
Reaction 12-6.2.

(12-6.2)

The chief reaction of amine boranes is elimination either of HX or of RH, to give

aminoboranes.

Aminoboranes
Aminoboranes are B-N compounds that are analogous to alkenes. Boron is tri­
gonal in aminoboranes, and the three substituents at boron are planar, or very
nearly so. Two resonance forms may be written, Structures 12-XII and 12-XIII.

"-. .. / "-.- +/
B-N ~ B=N
/ "-. / "-.
12-XII 12-XIII
12-7 Electron Counting for Borons 345

Borazines
One of the most interesting B-N compounds is borazine, BgNgH 6 (Structure
12-XV).

It has an obvious formal resemblance to benzene, and the physical properties of

the compounds are similar. However, borazine is much more reactive than ben­
zene and readily undergoes addition reactions, as in Reaction 12-6.7:

BgNgH 6 + 3 HX ~ (-H 2 N-BHX-)g X = CI, OH, OR, and so on (12-6.7)

which do not occur with benzene. Borazine also decomposes slowly and may be
hydrolyzed to NHg and boric acid at elevated temperatures. As with benzene, It
complexes with transition metals may be obtained (Chapter 29); thus hexa­
methylborazine gives compound 12-XVI:

CHg CHg
N--B

HgCB / ""
"'N..l..B/
, NCHg

HgC I CHg
r Cr
/1"
C C C
000
12-XVI

Borazine and substituted borazines may be synthesized by reactions such as

12-6.8 to 12-6.11.

(12-6.8)

~
140°C

~ CIgB . NH 2 CHg (12-6.10)

C6H s Cl
(mp 126-128 0c)
346 Chapter 12 / Boron

toluene

(12-6.11)
6(CH 3 JsNHCl +

12·7 Electron Counting for Boranes and Other Framework

Substances: Wade's Rules
It is now instructive to review the structures of the numerous boranes and carbo­
ranes, which, as noted earlier, fall into the closo, nido, and arachno categories. The
type of structure adopted by a particular compound has been shown to be re­
lated to the number of electrons that are available in the compound for bond­
ing within the polyhedral framework, that is, the number of "framework elec­
trons." A way of correlating the number of framework electrons with structure
was first articulated by K. Wade, hence the name "Wade's rules."

Wade's Rules as Applied to Boranes and Carboranes

We start by defining the quantity F, the number of electrons available for frame­
work bonds, as in Eq. 12-7.1:

F= 3b + 4c + h + x - 2n (12-7.1)

where
b = the number of boron atoms
c = the number of carbon atoms
h = the number of hydrogen atoms
x = the amount of negative charge on the ion
n = the number of vertices, that is, b + c
Note that x is defined so as to be a positive quantity for anions. Thus the
number of valence electrons available for the framework bonds (F) is the num­
ber that remains after providing for n exo-framework (2c-2e) terminal B-H or
C-H bonds.
RULE 1 When the value of F is equal to the quantity (2n + 2), the substance
should have a closo structure, that is, the framework geometry is based on an n
vertex, triangulated, regular polyhedron. This result is obtained for all of the bo­
rane dianions (BnH~-), for the carborane anions (CBn_IH~), and for the neutral
carboranes (C 2 B n - 2 H n ), since substitution of a BH- group by the isoelectronic
CH unit does not change the value of F as defined in Eq. 12-7.1.
Two examples readily illustrate this result. For B6H~-, the value of Fis 3 x 6
+ 4 x 0 + 6 + 2 - 2 x 6 = 14. Since the quantity (2n + 2) is also equal to 14, we
have identified a closo situation. Similarly, for the carborane C 2 B4 H 6, we have
F= 3 x 4 + 4 x 2 + 6 + 0 - 2 x 6 = 14. The structure for both B6H~- and C 2 B4 H 6
 Closo Nido Arachno

Figure 12-12 The conversion of closo polyhedral borane and heterob­

orane frameworks to nido and arachno structures by removal of one or
two vertices, respectively. Bridge hydrogen atoms are not shown in the
nido and arachno structures, and BH 2 groups are not distinguished from
B-H groups in the arachno structures. The lines linking boron atoms
are meant merely to illustrate cluster geometry. [Reprinted with permis­
sion from R. W. Rudolph, Ace. Chern. Res., 9,446 (1976). Copyright ©
(1976) American Chemical Society.]
348 Chapter 12 / Boron

is thus a six vertex polyhedron (namely, the octahedron), as shown in Figs.

12-8(a) and 12-12. In closo compounds, the bonds to hydrogen are only of the
terminal-type B-H or C-H, 2c-2e bonds.

RULE 2 When the value of F is equal to the quantity (2n + 4), the substance
should have the nido structure, that is, an (n + 1) vertex polyhedron, with one
vertex missing, as illustrated in Fig. 12-12.
For example, for BsH 9 , the quantity F is equal to 3 x 5 + 4 x 0 + 9 + 0 - 2 x
5 = 14. Since this is equal to the quantity (2n + 4), the structure of BsH 9 (Fig. 12­
4) is that of an (n + 1) = 6 vertex polyhedron, with one vertex missing. This struc­
ture is well illustrated in Fig. 12-12. A similar result is obtained for C 2 Bg H 7 . In
nido compounds, there are B-H-B bridge bonds at those edges left open by
the missing vertex atom. The other hydrogen atoms are bonded in the 2c-2e ter­
minal fashion. It is characteristic, then, of nido compounds that we find two types
of groups: n terminal B-H hydrogen atoms, and B-H-B bridges for the re­
mainder.

RULE 3 When the value of Fis equal to the quantity (2n + 6), the compound
falls into the arachno category, and the preferred structure is that of the (n + 2)
vertex polyhedron, with two vertices missing.
The compound B4 H lO and the ion B9 H 14 provide useful examples. For
B4 H 10 , the quantity Fis equal to 3 x 4 + 4 x 0 + 10 + 0 - 2 x 4 = 14. This is equal
to the quantity (2n + 6) and, as shown in Fig. 12-4, the structure is based on an
(n + 2) vertex polyedron, with two adjacent vertices missing (Fig. 12-12). For
B9 H 14 , the value of Fis 3 x 9 + 4 x 0 + 14 + 1 - 2 x 9 = 24, which is equal to (2n
+ 6). The same value is obtained for CBsH 14 . Both have a structure (Fig. 12-12)
based on a (9 + 2) = 11 vertex polyhedron, with two adjacent vertices missing. It
is characteristic of arachno compounds that we find hydrogen bound in three
ways: B-H or C-H terminal bonds, B-H-B bridge bonds, and BH 2 groups.
The compound BsH l l (Fig. 12-4) provides another example.

12-8 Descriptive Summary of Reactions

As a study aid, and as a means of summarizing the chemistry of this chapter, we
present Figs. 12-13(a-c), which illustrate some of the key reactions for B(OR)s,
B(OH)s, B2 H 6 , BCl s, and BFg . The student should also note Fig. 12-2, as well as
Study Question 12-3, in part B.
12-8 Descriptive Summary of Reactions 349

o
II H+

B(OCR),~RCOCI 11,0

-HC1~

B(OHh

~. B!Mg
H,O ~ "F,
B(OR)3 B20 3

ROH

Figure 12-130
 350 Chapter 12 / Boron

H
I -HC!
Cl gB-Q-C2H s ---------~) CI 2B-OR

-2HCI
+2ROH

-HC!

+ROH
-HC!

H
I H NCH g
ClgB-NCH g ~(- - - - - - - =2- - - - " - - - - - - ­
I
H

( b)
Figure 12·13b
 Study Guide 351

ROH

RMgBr

NaH
- aF
~Br
~------------- BFs

(c)
Figure 12-13c

STUDY GUIDE

Study Questions
A. Review
1. Draw the structure of the B12 unit that is found in elemental boron.
2. Draw the structures of the cyclic borate anion in K sBs0 6 and the chain borate anion
in Mg 2 B2 0 S ' Indicate the hybridization at each atom in these borate anions.
3. How does boric acid ionize in water? How strong an acid is it?
4. Why is the activity of boric acid increased by the addition of glycerol?
5. How would one best prepare BFs in the laboratory?
6. Why is BBrs a better Lewis acid than BFs?
352 Chapter 12 / Boron

7. Draw the structure of diborane and describe its bonding.

8. Give equations for one useful synthesis of diborane(6).
9. How is sodium borohydride (or tetrahydroborate) prepared?

B. Additional Exercises
1. Review each of the structures of the boron hydrides that have been presented in this
chapter and decide which can properly be thought of as a fragment of the icosahe­
dron.
2. The borate anion, [B S 0 6(OH)4]-' has one tetrahedral boron and four trigonal boron
atoms, and has two six-membered rings. Draw the structure.
3. Review the reactions of diborane and prepare the same sort of "reaction wheel" for
it that has already been prepared for boric acid (Fig. 12-2).
4. Explain why the barriers to rotation around the B-N bond in the following amino­
boranes display the trend H 2B(-NR2) > HB(-NR2)2 > B(-NR2)3'
5. Propose a structure for the anion B3H"B featured in Reactions 12-5.13 and 12-5.14.
6. Draw the structure of the disubstituted product from the reaction of decaborane (14)
with CN-.
°
7. What are the hybridizations and the geometries of the C and atoms in the organic
derivatives B(OR)3, B(OCORls, and B(OOR)3?
8. What is the structure of the anion formed upon deprotonation of decaborane(14)?
Which are the acidic hydrogens in decaborane(14) and why?
9. Predict the products of the following reactions:
(a) BF3 + OEt2 (b) BF3 + H 20
(c) BCI 3 + ROH (d) B2H 6 + HCI
(e) B lO H 14 + NR3 (f) B10H 14 + 12
(g) LiH + B2H 6 (h) NH 4CI + LiBH 4
(i) (CH3)2N-BCI2 + C 6H sMgBr (j) B3N 3H 6 + H 20
(k) B 3N 3H 6 + HBr (I) (CI-Bls(NH)3 + C 2H s MgBr
10. Suggest a series of reactions for the synthesis of
(a) Borazine, beginning with boron trichloride.
(b) Decaborane (14), starting with diborane.
(c) [H 2B( Me3)2]+, starting with diborane.
(d) Diethylaminodichloroborane, starting with BCI 3.
(e) BTrichloro-Ntrimethylborazine, starting with BCI 3.
11. Suggest a reason for the greater reactivity of borazine than benzene towards addition
ofHX.
12. Draw the structure of (Ph3P)2CuBH4' Carefully show the geometry at P, Cu, and B.
13. Consider the semitopological diagram of B lO H 14 in Fig. 12-6. Account for all of the
electrons in the molecule by listing the number of each that is involved in (a) termi­
nal BH groups, (b) bridging BHB groups, (c) open BBB bridge groups, (d) two-elec­
tron BB bonds, and (e) closed BBB bonds.
14. Use Wade's rules to classify each of the following.
(a) B6H~- (j) BsH l4
(b) C 2 B4 H 6 (k) C 2 B 7 H u
(c) BsH g (I) BIOHi:t
(d) C 2 B3 H 7 (m) B7 m­
(e) B4 H 10 (n) C 2 BsH IO
Study Guide 353

(f) Bg H l4 (0) C 2 B sH 12

(g) B lO H 14 (p) C 2 Bg H ll
(h) BsH ll (q) B6 H l2
(i) B6 H lO (r) BgCIg and BgCI~-
15. The spectrum of B3Fs suggests the presence of two types of F atoms in a ratio of 4: 1
and two types of B atoms in a ratio of 2: 1. Suggest a possible structure for this com­
pound using trigonal boron atoms only.
16. The compound BsF 12 has four trigonal boron atoms and four tetrahedral atoms.
Furthermore, there appears to be four terminal BF2 groups and two bridging BF2
groups. Suggest a plausible structure.
17. Write equations for each of the following reactions.
(a) Reaction of diborane with ammonia.
(b) Reaction of diborane with HCI.
(c) Reduction of boron oxide by Fe.
(d) B(OH)3 + CH 3COCI
(e) Reduction ofBF3 with NaH.
(f) Reaction of B10 H l4 with 12 ,
(g) Hydrolysis of BSHg.
(h) B2 H 6 + O 2
(i) Hydrolysis of BCI 3.
(j) Condensation of boric acid with ethanol.
(k) Reaction of boron with chlorine.
(I) Reduction of diborane with sodium.
(m) Hydrolysis of diborane.
(n) Reaction of BCl s with ethanol.
(0) Thermolysis of boric acid.
(p) B(OH)3 + NH 4 HF 2
18. Write out a stepwise synthesis, starting with borax, of CI 2 B-OC2 H s '
19. Show how to make the following compounds from the given starting materials.
(a) B2 H 6 from BFs (g) BgClg from B2C1 4
(b) [CIB-NHJs from BCI 3 (h) B(OC 2 H s )s from B2 H 6
(c) B(OCHsh from B(OH)3 (i) BCI s from BFs
(d) B2 F4 from B2C1 4 (j) NaBH 4 from B2 H 6
(e) B2 C1 4 from BCl s (k) BsN sH 6 from BCl s
(f) B4 C1 4 from BCls

C. Problems from the Literature of Inorganic Chemistry

1. Consider the paper by R. W. Parry, R. W. Rudolph, and D. F. Shriver, Inorg. Chem.,
1964,3,1479-1483.
(a) Write balanced equations for the symmetrical and unsymmetrical cleavage reac­
tions of tetraborane(lO) by a general nucleophile, L.
(b) Write balanced equations for the symmetrical and unsymmetrical cleavage reac­
tions of tetraborane(lO) by NaBH 4 •
(c) Write the balanced equations for the symmetrical and unsymmetrical cleavage of
tetraborane (10) by NaBD 4 , and account for the predicted percentage of D label
in the products for each case.
354 Chapter 12 I Boron

(d) Why have the authors so carefully argued against "exchange" in such reactions
or among the reaction products?
(e) What are the products of the cleavage of tetraborane(lO) by NH 3?
2. Consider the comparison of amine boranes and borazines made by O. T. Beachley,
Jr., and B. Washburn, Inorg. Chem., 1975, 14, 120-123.
(a) Write balanced chemical equations to represent the reactions that were em­
ployed to synthesize
(i) H 2 CIB·N(CH 3)3 and H2BrB·N(CH3)2H
(ii) H 2CH 3B'N(CH 3)3 and H2CH3B'N(CH3)2H
(iii) H 2(CN)B·N(CH 3)3 and H2(CN)B'N(CH3)2H
(b) Draw the Lewis diagram for each adduct mentioned in (a).
(c) What reaction takes place between HgBr2 and (i) H 3B' (CH 3h (ii) H 3B3 3H3?
(d) What reaction takes place between AgCN and (i) H 3B3N 3H 3 at 0 °C (ii)
H 3B'N(CH 3ls at 130°C?
(e) What mechanistic interpretation do the authors give to the facts in (c)?
(f) How do 1t- and a-bond effects combine in the borazine ring to make the BH
~ group sufficiently hydridic to react with HgCI 2?
(g) What suggestion do the authors make to explain the facts in (d)?
3. Methylation at boron of the closo-carborane, 2,4-C 2BsH" has been studied by]. F.
Ditter, E. B. Klusmann, R. E. Williams, and T. Onak, Inorg. Chem., 1976, 15,
1063-1065.
(a) When methylation was performed with methylchloride in the presence of an ex­
cess of AlCI 3, which boron atom (s) was methylated to give (i) CH 3C 2BsH 6 via
monomethylation (ii) (CH3)2C2BSHs via dimethylation (iii) (CH3)3C2BSH4 via
trimethylation?
(b) What do the facts in (a) suggest about the relative availability of electrons (as
judged by readiness to react with electrophilic reagents) at the different boron
atoms in C 2BsH,?
(c) How does its position in the cage influence the electron availability at a boron
atom, according to these authors?
4. Although borazine, the inorganic analog of benzene, was known as early as 1926, a
similar B-P cyclic trimer was not reported until 1987. Read the subsequent account
of the compound by H. V. Rasika Dias and P. P. Power,] Am. Chem. Soc., 1989, 111,
144-148, and answer the following questions.
(a) What synthetic method was used for the title compounds?
(b) What mechanisms are proposed for formation of the compounds?
(c) For the compound (MesB-PC 6 H sls, what is the significance of the planarity of
the ring atoms and the six substituent carbon atoms?
(d) What other structural data suggest a considerable amount of B-P double-bond
character in the rings?
5. Read the article on synthesis of BsH~- and BsH u by]. R. Wermer and S. G. Shore,
Inorg. Chem., 1987, 26, 1644-1645.
(a) Write equations for the syntheses reported here of BsH~- and BsH]], starting
with BsH g .
(b) Use Wade's rules to classify the structures of the above three compounds.
(c) How do the structure and chemistry of BsH~- compare with those of BsH"8?
6. Read the article by T. Davan and]. A. Morrison, Inorg. Chem., 1986, 25,2366-2372.
(a) What is the overall stability order found for the polyhedral boron chlorides?
 Supplementary Reading 355

(b) How does this stability order differ from that for the polyhedral borane anions,
BnH~-?
(c) What difference is there between the two classes of compounds as far as Wade's
rules are concerned?

SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Adams, R. M., "Nomenclature of Inorganic Boron Compounds," Pure Appl. Chem.,

1972, 30, 683.
Brown, H. C., Boranes in Organic Chemistry, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 1972.
Brown, H. c., Organic Syntheses via Boranes, Wiley, New York, 1975.
Greenwood, N. N., Boron, Pergamon Press, Elmsford, NY, 1975.
Grimes, R. N., Carboranes, Academic, New York, 1971.
Grimes, R. N., Ed., Metal Interactions with Boron Clusters, Plenum, New York, 1982.
Grimes, R. ., "Carbon-Rich Carboranes and their Metal Derivatives," in Advances in
Inorganic Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Vol. 26, H.J. Emeleus and A. G. Sharpe, Eds.,
Academic, pp. 55-117, 1983.
Lubman, J. F., Greenberg, A., and Williams, R. E., Eds., Advances in Boron and the
Boranes, VCH Publishers, New York, 1988.
Massey, A. G., "The Subhalides of Boron," in Advances in Inorganic Chemistry and
Radiochemistry, Vol. 26, H.J. Emeleus and A. G. Sharpe, Eds., Academic, New York, pp.
1-54, 1983.
Michl, J. Ed., Chem. Rev., 1992, 92(2), 177-362. A special issue devoted to boron
chemistry.
Mingos, D. M. P., "Polyhedral Skeletal Electron Pair Approach," Ace. Chem. Res., 1984,
17, 311-319.
Morrison, J. A., "Polyhedral Boron Halides and Their Reactions," Chem. Rev., 1991,
91,35.
Muetterties, E. L., Ed., The Chemistry of Boron and its Compounds, Wiley, New York,
1967.
Muetterties, E. L., Ed., Boron Hydride Chemistry, Academic, New York, 1975.
Muetterties, E. L. and Knoth, W. H., Polyhedral Boranes, Dekker, New York, 1968.
iedenzu, K. and Dawson, J. W., Boron-Nitrogen Compounds, Springer-Verlag, New
York,1965.
Wade, K., "Structure and Bonding Patterns in Cluster Chemistry," in Advances in
1norg. Chem. and Radiochem., Vol. 18, H. J. Emeleus and A. G. Sharpe, Eds., Academic, New
York, pp. 1-66, 1976.
Woollins,J. D., Non-metal Rings, Cages and Clusters, Wiley, New York, 1988.