New, systematic syntheses of boron hydrides via hydride ion abstraction reactions: Preparation of B2H6, B4H10, B5H11, and B10H14

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic00135a048

The boron hydrides B₂H₆, B₄H₁₀, B₅H₁₁, and B₁₀H₁₄ are prepared in good yields through hydride ion abstraction reactions when the borane anions BH₄^-, B₃H₈^-, B₄H₉^-, and B₉H₁₄^- respectively are treated with 1 molar equiv of a Lewis acid BX₃ (X = F, Cl, or Br), generally in the absence of a solvent, for reaction periods of 1-4 h. A high-yield (85-90%) method for the conversion of B₅H₉ to B₉H₁₄^- is presented as the precursor to the practical conversion of B₅H₉ to B₁₀H₁₄ (45-50%). Additionally, treatment of the anion BrB₃H₇^- with BBr₃ results in the formation of 2-BrB₄H₉ in low yield (15%). The hydride ion abstraction reactions by BBr₃ and BCl₃ lead to the new anions HBBr₃^- and HBCl₃^-.