Mild, controllable homocatenation of many elements is a considerable challenge, usually due to their low homonuclear σ-bond enthalpy. This is particularly difficult for boron, despite its high homonuclear σ -bond enthalpy. The controllable metal-templated catenation of four boron atoms is now demonstrated — a step towards oligomers of monovalent boron and polyboranes.
- Holger Braunschweig
- Qing Ye
- Alexander Damme