The synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of the diborane(4) isomers 1,1-B(2){1,2-(NH)(2)C(6)H(4)}(2) and 1,2-B(2){1,2-(NH)(2)C(6)H(4)}(2) are described together with the results of quantum chemical calculations which shed light on their relative stabilities and degree of aromaticity. Spectroscopic data are also provided for both isomers of the 4-methyl aryl derivative. The compound 1,1-B(2){1-O-2-(NH)C(6)H(4)}(2) has also been prepared and structurally characterised but no evidence was obtained for the corresponding 1,2-isomer. The compound 1,1-B(2){1,2-(NH)(2)C(6)H(4)}(2) forms a co-crystal with TCNQ, the structure of which is also reported.

We report the synthesis, structural characterisation and solution-phase dynamics of a series of polyaromatic hydrocarbon complexes of the 12-electron {Rh(PiBu 3 ) 2 } + fragment. Crystal structures of this fragment with benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, triphenylene and coronene are described, alongside their solution NMR spectroscopic data.

The radical cation [1,2-B2{1,2-(MeN)2C6H4}2]˙(+) has been synthesised and its structure and bonding have been probed using a combination of X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations which show that it represents a new type of radical centred primarily on two N-heterocyclic units joined by a B2 linker but with only a minor contribution from boron-based orbitals.

Density functional theory has been used to provide atomic-level detail on the structures of metal hydride intermediates that have previously been proposed in the hydrogenation of phenylacetylene using Ru(3)(CO)(10)(PPh(3))(2). Based on a comparison of energetic data along with computed chemical shifts and coupling constants, we suggest that the detected species share a Ru(3)(μ-H)(μ-H) motif, with two distinct bridging hydride sites, rather than the terminal hydride proposed previously. The work illustrates how theory can be used as a complement to spectroscopy to enhance the accuracy of deductions, and to provide a basis for future rational design of second generation catalysts.