Home Theoretical Prediction of a Stable Xenon Bis(diazaborolyl) Complex: A Donor–Acceptor Complex

Publications

Theoretical Prediction of a Stable Xenon Bis(diazaborolyl) Complex: A Donor–Acceptor Complex

Author : Dr Sudip Pan

Year : 2025

Publisher : American Chemical Society

Source Title : Inorganic Chemistry

Document Type :

Abstract

Complexes with bulky ligand-supported low-valent elements are very well-known in chemistry. However, because of their little reactivity, such complexes are unknown so far for noble gas (Ng) atoms. Here, the viability of a xenon complex with the ligand diazaborolyl ((L = HCN(dipp))2B) in the form of HCN(dipp)2B–Xe–B(HCN(dipp))2(1) is assessed through quantum chemical calculations. Complex 1 is thermochemically stable at room temperature against dissociation, 1 → Xe + 2L. Although the dissociation process that leads to the formation of ligand dimer [(HCN(dipp))2B]2and Xe, 1 → Xe + L2, is exergonic in nature, the scrutiny of the corresponding mechanism through B–Xe–B bending reveals that this process eventually leads to the formation of free Xe and two (HCN(dipp))2BH units with one isopropyl group in dipp being converted into an isopropenyl group. This process involves a significant potential energy barrier to occur. 1 can be described as a donor–acceptor complex between ligand and Xe, L⇄Xe⇆L, where Xe is in zero oxidation state. Despite being a donor–acceptor complex, the electrostatic interaction in the B–Xe–B bond plays a crucial role in the stabilization of the complex.