Understanding effects of molecular adsorption at a single-wall boron nitride nanotube interface from density functional theory calculations.

In this paper, we explored computationally the feasibility of modulating the bandgap in a single-wall BN nanotube (BNNT) upon noncovalent adsorption of organic molecules, combined with the application of a transverse electric field. Effects of analytes' physisorption on the surface of BNNTs regarding structural and electronic properties were delineated. Relatively large binding energies were calculated, however, with minimal perturbation of the structural framework. Electronic structure calculations indicated that the bandgap of BNNTs can be modified by weak adsorption due to the presence of adsorbate states in the gap of the host system. Furthermore, we have shown that the application of a transverse electric field can tune the bandgap by shifting adsorbate states, consistent with calculated current-voltage characteristics.

Transition-metal-promoted reactions of boron hydrides. 17. Titanium-catalyzed decaborane-olefin hydroborations.

The titanium-catalyzed hydroboration reactions of decaborane with a variety of terminal olefins have been found to result in the exclusive, high-yield formation of monosubstituted decaborane 6-R-B(10)H(13) products, arising from anti-Markovnikov addition of the cage B6-H to the olefin. The titanium-catalyzed reactions are slow, often less than one turnover per hour; however, their high selectivities and yields coupled with the fact that they are simple, one-pot reactions give them significant advantages over the previously reported routes to 6-R-B(10)H(13) compounds. The catalyst also has extended activity with reactions carried out for as long as 13 days, showing little decrease in reactivity, thereby allowing for the production of large amounts of 6-R-B(10)H(13). The titanium-catalyzed reactions of decaborane with the nonconjugated diolefins, 1,5-hexadiene and diallylsilane, were found to give, depending upon reaction conditions and stoichiometries, high yields of either alkenyl-substituted 6-(CH(2)=CH(CH(2))(4))-B(10)H(13) (4) and 6-(CH(2)=CHCH(2)SiMe(2)(CH(2))(3))-B(10)H(13) (5) or linked-cage 6,6'-(CH(2))(6)-(B(10)H(13))(2) (6) and Me(2)Si(6-(CH(2))(3)-B(10)H(13))(2) (7) compounds, respectively. The unique tetra-cage product, Si(6-(CH(2))(3)-B(10)H(13))(4) (8), was obtained by the catalyzed reaction of 4 equiv of decaborane with tetraallylsilane. Sequential use of the titanium catalyst and previously reported platinum catalysts (PtBr(2) or H(2)PtCl(6).6H(2)O with an initiator) provides an efficient pathway to asymmetrically substituted 6-R-9-R'-B(10)H(12) species. The structures of compounds 5, 6, and 8, as well as a platinum derivative, (PSH(+))(2)-commo-Pt-[nido-7-Pt-8-(n-C(8)H(17))B(10)H(11)](2)(2-), of 6-(n-octyl)decaborane have been established by single-crystal crystallographic determinations.