Rational design of an argon-binding superelectrophilic anion.

ABSTRACT: Chemically binding to argon (Ar) at room temperature has remained the privilege of the most reactive electrophiles, all of which are cationic (or even dicationic) in nature. Herein, we report a concept for the rational design of anionic superelectrophiles that are composed of a strong electrophilic center firmly embedded in a negatively charged framework of exceptional stability. To validate our concept, we synthesized the percyano-dodecoborate [B₁₂(CN)₁₂]^2-, the electronically most stable dianion ever investigated experimentally. It serves as a precursor for the generation of the monoanion [B₁₂(CN)₁₁]^-, which indeed spontaneously binds Ar at 298 K. Our mass spectrometric and spectroscopic studies are accompanied by high-level computational investigations including a bonding analysis of the exceptional B-Ar bond. The detection and characterization of this highly reactive, structurally stable anionic superelectrophile starts another chapter in the metal-free activation of particularly inert compounds and elements.

SUBMITTER: Mayer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6486711 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature