Guanidinium Ion as a Symmetrical Template in the Formation of Cubic Hydrogen-Bonded Borate Networks with the Boracite Topology

Abstract

Reaction between boric acid and guanidinium salts in methanolic solution at room temperature in the presence of various bases and anions gives well-formed solvated crystals of composition {[B(OCH3)4]3[C(NH2)3]4}+X-. The products in which X- = Cl- and PF6- are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The tetramethoxyborate and guanidinium components form a highly symmetrical (cubic) hydrogen-bonded 3D network having the "boracite topology" [i.e., the (63)(6284) topology]. Highly disordered solvent molecules and anions occupy methyl-surfaced cavities and channels that represent more than 30% of the space.