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    Properties of gaseous closo-[B6X6]2− dianions (X = Cl, Br, I)
    (Cambridge : RSC Publ., 2020) Rohdenburg, Markus; Yang, Zheng; Su, Pei; Bernhardt, Eduard; Yuan, Qinqin; Apra, Edoardo; Grabowsky, Simon; Laskin, Julia; Jenne, Carsten; Wang, Xue-Bin; Warneke, Jonas
    Electronic structure, collision-induced dissociation (CID) and bond properties of closo-[B6X6]2− (X = Cl–I) are investigated in direct comparison with their closo-[B12X12]2− analogues. Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and theoretical investigations reveal that [B6X6]2− dianions are electronically significantly less stable than the corresponding [B12X12]2− species. Although [B6Cl6]2− is slightly electronically unstable, [B6Br6]2− and [B6I6]2− are intrinsically stable dianions. Consistent with the trend in the electron detachment energy, loss of an electron (e− loss) is observed in CID of [B6X6]2− (X = Cl, Br) but not for [B6I6]2−. Halogenide loss (X− loss) is common for [B6X6]2− (X = Br, I) and [B12X12]2− (X = Cl, Br, I). Meanwhile, X˙ loss is only observed for [B12X12]2− (X = Br, I) species. The calculated reaction enthalpies of the three competing dissociation pathways (e−, X− and X˙ loss) indicated a strong influence of kinetic factors on the observed fragmentation patterns. The repulsive Coulomb barrier (RCB) determines the transition state for the e− and X− losses. A significantly lower RCB for X− loss than for e− loss was found in both experimental and theoretical investigations and can be rationalized by the recently introduced concept of electrophilic anions. The positive reaction enthalpies for X− losses are significantly lower for [B6X6]2− than for [B12X12]2−, while enthalpies for X˙ losses are higher. These observations are consistent with a difference in bond character of the B–X bonds in [B6X6]2− and [B12X12]2−. A complementary bonding analysis using QTAIM, NPA and ELI-D based methods suggests that B–X bonds in [B12X12]2− have a stronger covalent character than in [B6X6]2−, in which X has a stronger halide character.
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    New Perspectives in the Noble Gas Chemistry Opened by Electrophilic Anions
    (Lausanne : Frontiers Media, 2020) Rohdenburg, Markus; Azov, Vladimir A.; Warneke, Jonas
    Binding of noble gases (NGs) is commonly considered to be the realm of highly reactive electophiles with cationic or at least non-charged character. Herein, we summarize our latest results evidencing that the incorporation of a strongly electrophilic site within a rigid cage-like anionic structure offers several advantages that facilitate the binding of noble gases and stabilize the formed NG adducts. The anionic superelectrophiles investigated by us are based on the closo-dodecaborate dianion scaffold. The record holder [B12(CN)11]− binds spontaneously almost all members of the NG family, including the very inert argon at room temperature and neon at 50 K in the gas phase of mass spectrometers. In this perspective, we summarize the argumentation for the advantages of anionic electrophiles in binding of noble gases and explain them in detail using several examples. Then we discuss the next steps necessary to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the binding properties of electrophilic anions with NGs. Finally, we discuss the perspective to prepare bulk ionic materials containing NG derivatives of the anionic superelectophiles. In particular, we explore the role of counterions using computational methods and discuss the methodology, which may be used for the actual preparation of such salts. © Copyright © 2020 Rohdenburg, Azov and Warneke.
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    Relevance of π-Backbonding for the Reactivity of Electrophilic Anions [B12X11]− (X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN)
    (Weinheim : Wiley-VCH, 2021) Mayer, Martin; Rohdenburg, Markus; Kawa, Sebastian; Horn, Francine; Knorke, Harald; Jenne, Carsten; Tonner, Ralf; Asmis, Knut R.; Warneke, Jonas
    Electrophilic anions of type [B12X11]− posses a vacant positive boron binding site within the anion. In a comparatitve experimental and theoretical study, the reactivity of [B12X11]− with X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN is characterized towards different nucleophiles: (i) noble gases (NGs) as σ-donors and (ii) CO/N2 as σ-donor-Ï€-acceptors. Temperature-dependent formation of [B12X11NG]− indicates the enthalpy order (X=CN)>(X=Cl)≈(X=Br)>(X=I)≈(X=F) almost independent of the NG in good agreement with calculated trends. The observed order is explained by an interplay of the electron deficiency of the vacant boron site in [B12X11]− and steric effects. The binding of CO and N2 to [B12X11]− is significantly stronger. The B3LYP 0 K attachment enthapies follow the order (X=F)>(X=CN)>(X=Cl)>(X=Br)>(X=I), in contrast to the NG series. The bonding motifs of [B12X11CO]− and [B12X11N2]− were characterized using cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy by focusing on the CO and N2 stretching frequencies (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.), respectively. Observed shifts of (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.) are explained by an interplay between electrostatic effects (blue shift), due to the positive partial charge, and by Ï€-backdonation (red shift). Energy decomposition analysis and analysis of natural orbitals for chemical valence support all conclusions based on the experimental results. This establishes a rational understanding of [B12X11]− reactivety dependent on the substituent X and provides first systematic data on Ï€-backdonation from delocalized σ-electron systems of closo-borate anions. © 2021 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH