Strong Binding of Noble Gases to [B12X11]˗: A Theoretical Study

Abstract

We systematically explore the stability and properties of [B12X11Ng] adducts resulting from the capture reaction of noble gas atoms (Ng) by anionic [B12X11] clusters in the ion trap. [B12X11] can be obtained by stripping one X ligand off the icosahedral closo-dodecaborate dianion [B12X12]2. We study the binding of the noble gas atoms He, Ne, Kr, Ar and Xe to [B12X11] with ligands X = F, Cl, Br, I, CN. While He cannot be captured by these clusters and Ne only binds at low temperatures, the complexes with the heavier Kr, Ar and Xe show appreciable complexation energies and exceed 1 eV at room temperature in the case of [B12(CN)11Xe]. For the latter three noble gases, we observe a significant charge transfer from the Ng to the icosahedral B12 cage.

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