Oxidation of <i>closo</i>‐[B₁₂Cl₁₂]²⁻ to the Radical Anion [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^.− and to Neutral B₁₂Cl₁₂

Abstract

Strong as an ox: Oxidation of the perchlorinated dodecaborate [B12Cl12]2− by AsF5 in liquid sulfur dioxide leads to the Jahn–Teller-distorted radical anion [B12Cl12].− and to neutral B12Cl12 (see structure; B brown, Cl green). The formation of both compounds has been verified by a combination of several theoretical and experimental methods (pictured: cyclic voltammogram of [B12Cl12]2− in liquid SO2).