Classical bonding is predominantly understood using the insipid spn hybridization for σ-bonds as well as π bonds and their delocalized variants. Because hybridization ignores intricate differences in the energy and size of valence atomic orbitals, its naïve application to classically bonded boron atoms leads to numerous surprises in bond strengths, frontier MOs/bands, and even geometry. Here we show that the sp dissonance caused by size mismatch between the valence s and p orbitals of boron plays a crucial role in its bonding, subtly distinct from that of carbon and silicon. Unlike the heavier p block elements, boron prefers to actively engage its compact 2s orbitals in bonding. This leads to the overreach of p–p σ-type overlap that reduces its magnitude in the entire BB bonding range. Consequently, the π-type overlap remains substantial, making its electronic structure visibly distinct in saturated and unsaturated regimes. The deltahedral frameworks offer a compromise by breaking this symmetry-enforced dichotomy of classical σ- and π-type bonding and following alternate electron counts that suit the electron deficiency of the boron. The pathological anatomy of classical BB σ-bonding also explains the origins of puzzling metallic character and disorder in their classical boride networks even with ideal electron count, unlike deltahedral borides. The implications of sp dissonance are illustrated in classical boron networks of various hybridizations, explaining the unusual preference for unique sp3 lattice with strained four-membered rings in CrB4, origins of observed σ holes in MgB2 that lead to its superconducting nature, and the absence of Peierls distortion in LiB.

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Polyhedral boron clusters are lauded as 3D-aromatic that frequently form interconnected periodic networks in boron-rich borides with metal and non-metals having high thermodynamic stability and hardness. This leads to the question of whether the spherical delocalization of electrons in these clusters is extended across the network as in organic aromatic networks. These borides also frequently show partial oxidation, having fewer electrons than that is mandated by electron counting rules, whose impact on their aromatic stability and geometry remains mysterious. Understanding the nature of electronic communication between polyhedra in polyhedral borides is largely unknown though it is crucial for the rational design of advanced materials with desirable mechanical, electronic and optical properties. Here we show that electronic delocalization across polyhedral clusters has a significant impact on their structure and stability. Our computational inquiry on closo borane dimers shows substantial variation in conjugation with the ideal electron count. Upon two-electron oxidation, instead of forming exohedral multiple bonding that disrupts the aromaticity, it undergoes subtle geometric transformations that conserve aromaticity. The nature of geometric transformation depends on the HOMO that is decided locally on the polyhedral degree of the interacting vertices. The prevalence of π-type interactions as HOMO in tetravalent vertices encourage conjugation across clusters and turn into a macropolyhedral system hosting a rhombic linkage between clusters upon oxidation. In contrast, the σ-type interactions dominate the HOMO of pentavalent vertices that prefers to confine aromaticity within the polyhedra by separating them with localized 3c-2e bonds. Our findings expose the fundamental bonding principles that govern the interaction between boron clusters and will provide chemical guidance for the design and analysis of polyhedral boride networks with desired properties.