Importance of π-Backbonding for the Reactivity of Electrophilic Anions

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-π-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  and  , respectively. Observed shifts of  and  are explained by an interplay between electrostatic effects (blue shift), due to the positive partial charge, and by π-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 π-backdonation from delocalized σ-electron systems of closo-borate anions.

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