A 14-Vertex Bud-Shaped [(Cp*Ti)2B12H18] Cluster

Abstract

An unusual 14-vertex macropolyhedral titanaborane, [(Cp*Ti)2B12H18] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5; 1), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. This cluster consists of two 9-vertex arachno-subclusters fused through a common butterfly face, along with two additional inter-subcluster B−B linkages that are crucial in defining its geometry, electron count and stability. In addition, a 17-vertex macropolyhedral titanaborane, [(Cp*Ti)2(B15H20)(µ-SH)] (2), has been isolated, in which three nido-subclusters are fused through two triangular faces. Interestingly, unlike 2, cluster 1 does not follow Mingos fusion formalism or Jemmis mno rule.