BH4Ng+ (Ar−Rn): Viable Compounds with a B−Ng Covalent Bond

• Published in: Chemphyschem Vol. 24; no. 4
• Main Authors: Pino‐Rios, Ricardo, Vásquez‐Espinal, Alejandro, Pan, Sudip, Cerpa, Erick, Tiznado, William, Merino, Gabriel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 14.02.2023
• Subjects: Argon; boron chemistry; chemical bond; Chemical bonds; Covalence; Covalent bonds; Cryogenic temperature; hypercoordinate compounds; noble gas chemistry; Radon; Rare gases; Room temperature
• ISSN: 1439-4235; 1439-7641
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200601

In this work, we explore, using high‐level calculations, the ability of BH4+ to interact with noble gases. The He system is energetically unstable, while the Ne system could only be observed at cryogenic temperatures. In the case of the Ar, Kr and Xe systems, all are energetically stable, even at room temperature. The different chemical bond descriptors reveal a covalent character between B and the noble gas from Ar to Rn. However, this interaction gradually weakens the multicentric bond between the boron atom and the H2 fragment. Thus, although BH4Rn+ exhibits a strong covalent bond, it tends to dissociate at room temperature into BH2Rn++H2. The ability of BH4+ to interact with noble gases is explored using high‐level ab‐initio calculations. The results indicate that when Ng=Ar−Xe the structures are stable, even at room temperature, and exhibit a strong B−Ng covalent bond. BH4Ne+ could be observed at cryogenic temperatures and although BH4Rn+ exhibits a covalent B−Rn bond, it tends to dissociate into BH2Rn+ and H2.