Hexaborane(10)

Template:Chembox Hexaborane, also called hexaborane(10) to distinguish it from hexaborane(12) (B₆H₁₂), is a boron hydride cluster with the formula B₆H₁₀. It is a colorless liquid that is unstable in air.<ref name=IS>Template:Cite book</ref>

Structure

File:Lipscomb-NMR-hexaborene-B6H10.png

NMR interpretation of hexaborane(10), showing its structure

Hexaborane(10) is classified as a nido-cluster.<ref name=":0">Template:Greenwood&Earnshaw2nd</ref>Template:Rp The boron atoms define a pentagonal pyramid, with four bridging hydrogen atoms and six terminal ones. The point group of the molecule is C_s.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Preparation and reactions

A laboratory route begins with bromination of pentaborane(11) followed by deprotonation of the bromide to give [BrB₅H₇]⁻. This anionic cluster is reduced with diborane to give the neutral product:<ref name=IS/>

K[BrB₅H₇] + 1/2 B₂H₆ → KBr + B₆H₁₀

It can also be generated by pyrolysis of pentaborane(11).

B₆H₁₀ can be deprotonated to give [B₆H₉]⁻ or protonated to give [B₆H₁₁]⁺.<ref name=IS/> It can act as a Lewis base towards reactive borane radicals, forming various conjuncto-clusters.<ref name=":0" />Template:Rp