The structure and bonding of a Pr‐doped boron cluster (PrB7−) are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. The adiabatic electron detachment energy of PrB7−is found to be low [1.47(8) eV]. A large energy gap is observed between the first and second detachment features, indicating a highly stable neutral PrB7. Global minimum searches and comparison between experiment and theory show that PrB7−has a half‐sandwich structure with C6vsymmetry. Chemical bonding analyses show that PrB7−can be viewed as a PrII[η7‐B73−] complex with three unpaired electrons, corresponding to a Pr (4f26s1) open‐shell configuration. Upon detachment of the 6s electron, the neutral PrB7cluster is a highly stable PrIII[η7‐B73−] complex with Pr in its favorite +3 oxidation state. The B73−ligand is found to be highly stable and doubly aromatic with six delocalized π and six delocalized σ electrons and should exist for a series of lanthanide MIII[η7‐B73−] complexes.
- Award ID(s):
- 2053541
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10319793
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Chemical Science
- Volume:
- 12
- Issue:
- 23
- ISSN:
- 2041-6520
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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