σ Bond activation through tunneling: formation of the boron hydride cations BHn+ (n = 2, 4, 6)

The network of H2 additions to B+ and subsequent insertion reactions serve as a tractable model for hydrogen storage in elementary boron-containing compounds.

Boron Particles Production in Nonequilibrium Laser-Chemical Radical Reactions During the IR Multiphoton Dissociation of HCIC=CBCI2H Molecules

The study of IR MPD of HCIC=CBCI2H molecule by CO2.-laser is presented. We provide experimental results showing high degree of fragmentation of this molecule (down to elementary boron) during nonequilibrium laser induced radical bimolecular reactions.

The electronic structure of an icosahedron of boron atoms

The electronic structure of a regular icosahedron of boron atoms is investigated theoretically by the method of molecular orbitals. It is found that thirteen bonding orbitals are available for holding the icosahedron together, besides the twelve outward-pointing equivalent orbitals of the separate atoms. The results are used to interpret the stability of boron carbide, to question a recently proposed crystal structure for elementary boron, and to discuss the chance of existence of a hydride B 12 H 12 .