Cadmium derivatives of decaborane

Abstract

Diethylcadmium (Et₂Cd) reacts with decaborane (B₁₀H₁₄) in ether solvents to form CdB₁₀H₁₂,2S (where S is diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran). This compound is thought to be the first example of a neutral, 6,9-internally-bridged derivative of B₁₀H₁₄(2802 topology) and contains direct Cd–B bonds. The cadmium borane reacts quantitatively with ethereal hydrogen chloride to give decaborane and cadmium chloride, and ionises in aqueous solution to yield the novel dianion [(B₁₀H₁₂)₂Cd]^2–. The properties and structures of these compounds are discussed.