Generation and reactivity of the fragment ion [B12I8S(CN)]- in the gas phase and on surfaces.

Gaseous fragment ions generated in mass spectrometers may be employed as "building blocks" for the synthesis of novel molecules on surfaces using ion soft-landing. A fundamental understanding of the reactivity of the fragment ions is required to control bond formation of deposited fragments in surface layers. The fragment ion [B12X11]- (X = halogen) is formed by collision-induced dissociation (CID) from the precursor [B12X12]2- dianion. [B12X11]- is highly reactive and ion soft-landing experiments have shown that this ion binds to the alkyl chains of organic molecules on surfaces. In this work we investigate whether specific modifications of the precursor ion affect the chemical properties of the fragment ions to such an extent that attachment to functional groups of organic molecules on surfaces occurs and binding of alkyl chains is prevented. Therefore, a halogen substituent was replaced by a thiocyanate substituent. CID of the precursor [B12I11(SCN)]2- ion preferentially yields the fragment ion [B12I8S(CN)]-, which shows significantly altered reactivity compared to the fragment ions of [B12I12]2-. [B12I8S(CN)]- has a previously unknown structural element, wherein a sulfur atom bridges three boron atoms. Gas-phase reactions with different neutral reactants (cyclohexane, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl amine) accompanied by theoretical studies indicate that [B12I8S(CN)]- binds with higher selectivity to functional groups of organic molecules than fragment ions of [B12I12]2- (e.g., [B12I11]- and [B12I9]-). These findings were further confirmed by ion soft-landing experiments, which showed that [B12I8S(CN)]- ions attacked ester groups of adipates and phthalates, whereas [B12I11]- ions only bound to alkyl chains of the same reagents.

Binding Properties of Small Electrophilic Anions [B6 X5 ]- and [B10 X9 ]- (X=Cl, Br, I): Activation of Small Molecules Based on π-Backbonding.

Superelectrophilic anions constitute a special class of molecular anions that show strong binding of weak nucleophiles despite their negative charge. In this study, the binding characteristics of smaller gaseous electrophilic anions of the types [B6 X5 ]- and [B10 X9 ]- (with X=Cl, Br, I) were computationally and experimentally investigated and compared to those of the larger analogues [B12 X11 ]- . The positive charge of vacant boron increases from [B6 X5 ]- via [B10 X9 ]- to [B12 X11 ]- , as evidenced by increasing attachment enthalpies towards typical σ-donor molecules (noble gases, H2 O). However, this behavior is reversed for σ-donor-π-acceptor molecules. [B6 Cl5 ]- binds most strongly to N2 and CO, even more strongly than to H2 O. Energy decomposition analysis confirms that the orbital interaction is responsible for this opposite trend. The extended transition state natural orbitals for chemical valence method shows that the π-backdonation order is [B6 X5 ]- >[B10 X9 ]- >[B12 X11 ]- . This predicted order explains the experimentally observed red shifts of the CO and N2 stretching fundamentals compared to those of the unbound molecules, as measured by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy. The strongest red shift is observed for [B6 Cl5 N2 ]- : 222 cm-1 . Therefore, strong activation of unreactive σ-donor-π-acceptor molecules (commonly observed for cationic transition metal complexes) is achieved with metal-free molecular anions.

Binding of saturated and unsaturated C6-hydrocarbons to the electrophilic anion [B12Br11]-: a systematic mechanistic study.

The highly reactive gaseous ion [B12Br11]- is a metal-free closed-shell anion which spontaneously forms covalent bonds with hydrocarbon molecules, including alkanes. Herein, we systematically investigate the reaction mechanism for binding of [B12Br11]- to the five hexane isomers yielding [B12Br11(C6H14)]-, as well as to cyclohexane and several hexene isomers (yielding [B12Br11(C6H12)]-) using collision-induced dissociation (CID), infrared photodissociation spectroscopy (IRPD) and computational methods. CID of the different [B12Br11(C6H14)]- ions results in distinct fragmentation patterns dependent on the structure of the hexane isomer. The observed fragmentation reactions provide insights into the addition mechanism of [B12Br11]- to hexane. Based on the observed CID patterns, we identified that either B-C bond formation through heterolytic C-C or C-H bond cleavages or B-H bond formation through heterolytic C-H cleavage occur dependent on the structure of the hexane isomer. Meanwhile, we observe identical CID spectra of adducts originating from isomers of C6H12. Spectroscopic investigations of adducts of 1-hexene and cyclohexane indicate the same product structure with an open C6 chain. Computational investigations evidenced that low lying transition states are present, which enable a ring opening reaction of cyclohexane when binding to [B12Br11]-.

Anion-Anion Chemistry with Mass-Selected Molecular Fragments on Surfaces.

While reactions between ions and neutral molecules in the gas phase have been studied extensively, reactions between molecular ions of same polarity remain relatively unexplored. Herein we show that reactions between fragment ions generated in the gas phase and molecular ions of the same polarity are possible by soft-landing of both reagents on surfaces. The reactive [B12 I11 ]1- anion was deposited on a surface layer built up by landing the generally unreactive [B12 I12 ]2- . Ex-situ analysis of the generated material shows that [B24 I23 ]3- was formed. A computational study shows that the product is metastable in the gas phase, but a charge-balanced environment of a grounded surface may stabilize the triply charged product, as suggested by model calculations. This opens new opportunities for the generation of highly charged clusters using unconventional building blocks from the gas phase.

Relevance of π-Backbonding for the Reactivity of Electrophilic Anions [B12 X11 ]- (X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN).

Electrophilic anions of type [B12 X11 ]- posses a vacant positive boron binding site within the anion. In a comparatitve experimental and theoretical study, the reactivity of [B12 X11 ]- with X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN is characterized towards different nucleophiles: (i) noble gases (NGs) as σ-donors and (ii) CO/N2 as σ-donor-π-acceptors. Temperature-dependent formation of [B12 X11 NG]- indicates the enthalpy order (X=CN)>(X=Cl)≈(X=Br)>(X=I)≈(X=F) almost independent of the NG in good agreement with calculated trends. The observed order is explained by an interplay of the electron deficiency of the vacant boron site in [B12 X11 ]- and steric effects. The binding of CO and N2 to [B12 X11 ]- is significantly stronger. The B3LYP 0 K attachment enthapies follow the order (X=F)>(X=CN)>(X=Cl)>(X=Br)>(X=I), in contrast to the NG series. The bonding motifs of [B12 X11 CO]- and [B12 X11 N2 ]- were characterized using cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy by focusing on the CO and N2 stretching frequencies ν C O and ν N 2 , respectively. Observed shifts of ν C O and ν N 2 are explained by an interplay between electrostatic effects (blue shift), due to the positive partial charge, and by π-backdonation (red shift). Energy decomposition analysis and analysis of natural orbitals for chemical valence support all conclusions based on the experimental results. This establishes a rational understanding of [B12 X11 ]- reactivety dependent on the substituent X and provides first systematic data on π-backdonation from delocalized σ-electron systems of closo-borate anions.

Gaseous cyclodextrin-closo-dodecaborate complexes χCD·B12X122- (χ = α, ß, and γ; X = F, Cl, Br, and I): electronic structures and intramolecular interactions.

A fundamental understanding of cyclodextrin-closo-dodecaborate inclusion complexes is of great interest in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we report a systematic investigation on the electronic structures and intramolecular interactions of perhalogenated closo-dodecaborate dianions B12X122- (X = F, Cl, Br and I) binding to α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) in the gas phase using combined negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy (NIPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The vertical detachment energy (VDE) of each complex and electronic stabilization of each dianion due to the CD binding (ΔVDE, relative to the corresponding isolated B12X122-) are determined from the experiments along α-, ß- and γ-CD in the form of VDE (ΔVDE): 4.00 (2.10), 4.33 (2.43), and 4.30 (2.40) eV in X = F; 4.09 (1.14), 4.64 (1.69), and 4.69 (1.74) eV in X = Cl; 4.11 (0.91), 4.58 (1.38), and 4.70 (1.50) eV in X = Br; and 3.54 (0.74), 3.88 (1.08), and 4.05 (1.25) eV in X = I, respectively. All complexes have significantly higher VDEs than the corresponding isolated dodecaborate dianions with ΔVDE spanning from 0.74 eV at (α, I) to 2.43 eV at (ß, F), sensitive to both host CD size and guest substituent X. DFT-optimized complex structures indicate that all B12X122- prefer binding to the wide openings of CDs with the insertion depth and binding motif strongly dependent on the CD size and halogen X. Dodecaborate anions with heavy halogens, i.e., X = Cl, Br, and I, are found outside of α-CD, while B12F122- is completely wrapped by γ-CD. Partial embedment of B12X122- into CDs is observed for the other complexes via multipronged B-XH-O/C interlocking patterns. The simulated spectra based on the density of states agree well with those of the experiments and the calculated VDEs well reproduce the experimental trends. Molecular orbital analyses suggest that the spectral features at low binding energies originated from electrons detached from the dodecaborate dianion, while those at higher binding energies are derived from electron detachment from CDs. Energy decomposition analyses reveal that the electrostatic interaction plays a dominating role in contributing to the host-guest interactions for the X = F series partially due to the formation of a O/C-HX-B hydrogen bonding network, and the dispersion forces gradually become important with the increase of halogen size.

Activation of CS2 and CO2 by Silylium Cations.

The hydride-bridged silylium cation [Et3 Si-H-SiEt3 ]+ , stabilized by the weakly coordinating [Me3 NB12 Cl11 ]- anion, undergoes, in the presence of excess silane, a series of unexpected consecutive reactions with the valence-isoelectronic molecules CS2 and CO2 . The final products of the reaction with CS2 are methane and the previously unknown [(Et3 Si)3 S]+ cation. To gain insight into the entire reaction cascade, numerous experiments with varying conditions were performed, intermediate products were intercepted, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Besides the [(Et3 Si)3 S]+ cation as the final product, crystal structures of [(Et3 Si)2 SMe]+ , [Et3 SiS(H)Me]+ , and [Et3 SiOC(H)OSiEt3 ]+ were obtained. Experimental results combined with supporting quantum-chemical calculations in the gas phase and solution allow a detailed understanding of the reaction cascade.

Synthesis, Electronic Properties and Reactivity of [B12 X11 (NO2 )]2- (X=F-I) Dianions.

Nitro-functionalized undecahalogenated closo-dodecaborates [B12 X11 (NO2 )]2- were synthesized in high purities and characterized by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, single crystal X-diffraction, mass spectrometry, and gas-phase ion vibrational spectroscopy. The NO2 substituent leads to an enhanced electronic and electrochemical stability compared to the parent perhalogenated [B12 X12 ]2- (X=F-I) dianions evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and quantum-chemical calculations. The stabilizing effect decreases from X=F to X=I. Thermogravimetric measurements of the salts indicate the loss of the nitric oxide radical (NO. ). The homolytic NO. elimination from the dianion under very soft collisional excitation in gas-phase ion experiments results in the formation of the radical [B12 X11 O]2-. . Theoretical investigations suggest that the loss of NO. proceeds via the rearrangement product [B12 X11 (ONO)]2- . The O-bonded nitrosooxy structure is thermodynamically more stable than the N-bonded nitro structure and its formation by radical recombination of [B12 X11 O]2-. and NO. is demonstrated.

Direct functionalization of C-H bonds by electrophilic anions.

Alkanes and [B12X12]2- (X = Cl, Br) are both stable compounds which are difficult to functionalize. Here we demonstrate the formation of a boron-carbon bond between these substances in a two-step process. Fragmentation of [B12X12]2- in the gas phase generates highly reactive [B12X11]- ions which spontaneously react with alkanes. The reaction mechanism was investigated using tandem mass spectrometry and gas-phase vibrational spectroscopy combined with electronic structure calculations. [B12X11]- reacts by an electrophilic substitution of a proton in an alkane resulting in a B-C bond formation. The product is a dianionic [B12X11CnH2n+1]2- species, to which H+ is electrostatically bound. High-flux ion soft landing was performed to codeposit [B12X11]- and complex organic molecules (phthalates) in thin layers on surfaces. Molecular structure analysis of the product films revealed that C-H functionalization by [B12X11]- occurred in the presence of other more reactive functional groups. This observation demonstrates the utility of highly reactive fragment ions for selective bond formation processes and may pave the way for the use of gas-phase ion chemistry for the generation of complex molecular structures in the condensed phase.

Properties of gaseous closo-[B6X6]2- dianions (X = Cl, Br, I).

Electronic structure, collision-induced dissociation (CID) and bond properties of closo-[B6X6]2- (X = Cl-I) are investigated in direct comparison with their closo-[B12X12]2- analogues. Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and theoretical investigations reveal that [B6X6]2- dianions are electronically significantly less stable than the corresponding [B12X12]2- species. Although [B6Cl6]2- is slightly electronically unstable, [B6Br6]2- and [B6I6]2- are intrinsically stable dianions. Consistent with the trend in the electron detachment energy, loss of an electron (e- loss) is observed in CID of [B6X6]2- (X = Cl, Br) but not for [B6I6]2-. Halogenide loss (X- loss) is common for [B6X6]2- (X = Br, I) and [B12X12]2- (X = Cl, Br, I). Meanwhile, X˙ loss is only observed for [B12X12]2- (X = Br, I) species. The calculated reaction enthalpies of the three competing dissociation pathways (e-, X- and X˙ loss) indicated a strong influence of kinetic factors on the observed fragmentation patterns. The repulsive Coulomb barrier (RCB) determines the transition state for the e- and X- losses. A significantly lower RCB for X- loss than for e- loss was found in both experimental and theoretical investigations and can be rationalized by the recently introduced concept of electrophilic anions. The positive reaction enthalpies for X- losses are significantly lower for [B6X6]2- than for [B12X12]2-, while enthalpies for X˙ losses are higher. These observations are consistent with a difference in bond character of the B-X bonds in [B6X6]2- and [B12X12]2-. A complementary bonding analysis using QTAIM, NPA and ELI-D based methods suggests that B-X bonds in [B12X12]2- have a stronger covalent character than in [B6X6]2-, in which X has a stronger halide character.

First steps towards a stable neon compound: observation and bonding analysis of [B12(CN)11Ne].

Noble gas (Ng) containing molecular anions are much scarcer than Ng containing cations. No neon containing anion has been reported so far. Here, the experimental observation of the molecular anion [B12(CN)11Ne]- and a theoretical analysis of the boron-neon bond is reported.

[Se(CH2C(O)CH3)3][B12F11NH3]: The first selenium cation with three ß-ketone substituents.

The reaction of [Se8][B12F11NH3]2 with acetone and subsequent crystallization from acetone/diethyl ether yielded the selenium cation [Se(CH2C(O)CH3)3]+ as a by-product, which is stabilized by the weakly coordinating undeca-fluorinated anion [B12F11NH3]-. While attempting to crystallize pure [Se8][B12F11NH3]2, the structure of the isolated product, namely, tris-(2-oxoprop-yl)selenium 1-ammonio-undeca-fluoro-dodeca-borate, was surprising. The cation [Se(CH2C(O)CH3)3]+ represents the first example for a cationic selenium compound with three ketone functional groups located in the ß-position with respect to the selenium atom. The cation possesses almost trigonal-pyramidal C 3 symmetry and forms hydrogen bonds to the ammonio group of the anion.

Na+[Me3NB12Cl11]-·SO2: a rare example of a sodium-SO2 complex.

In the title compound, Na+[Me3NB12Cl11]-·SO2 [systematic name: sodium 1-(trimethylammonio)-undeca-chloro-closo-dodeca-borate sulfur dioxide], the SO2 mol-ecule is η 1-O-coordinated to the Na+ cation. Surprisingly, the SO2 mol-ecule is more weakly bound to sodium than is found in other sodium-SO2 complexes and the SO2 mol-ecule is essentially undistorted compared to the structure of free SO2. The Na+ cation has a coordination number of eight in a distorted twofold-capped trigonal prism and makes contacts to three individual boron cluster anions, resulting in an overall three-dimensional network. Although the number of known η 1-O-coordinated SO2 complexes is growing, sodium-SO2 complexes are still rare.

Rational design of an argon-binding superelectrophilic anion.

Chemically binding to argon (Ar) at room temperature has remained the privilege of the most reactive electrophiles, all of which are cationic (or even dicationic) in nature. Herein, we report a concept for the rational design of anionic superelectrophiles that are composed of a strong electrophilic center firmly embedded in a negatively charged framework of exceptional stability. To validate our concept, we synthesized the percyano-dodecoborate [B12(CN)12]2-, the electronically most stable dianion ever investigated experimentally. It serves as a precursor for the generation of the monoanion [B12(CN)11]-, which indeed spontaneously binds Ar at 298 K. Our mass spectrometric and spectroscopic studies are accompanied by high-level computational investigations including a bonding analysis of the exceptional B-Ar bond. The detection and characterization of this highly reactive, structurally stable anionic superelectrophile starts another chapter in the metal-free activation of particularly inert compounds and elements.

Self-organizing layers from complex molecular anions.

The formation of traditional ionic materials occurs principally via joint accumulation of both anions and cations. Herein, we describe a previously unreported phenomenon by which macroscopic liquid-like thin layers with tunable self-organization properties form through accumulation of stable complex ions of one polarity on surfaces. Using a series of highly stable molecular anions we demonstrate a strong influence of the internal charge distribution of the molecular ions, which is usually shielded by counterions, on the properties of the layers. Detailed characterization reveals that the intrinsically unstable layers of anions on surfaces are stabilized by simultaneous accumulation of neutral molecules from the background environment. Different phases, self-organization mechanisms and optical properties are observed depending on the molecular properties of the deposited anions, the underlying surface and the coadsorbed neutral molecules. This demonstrates rational control of the macroscopic properties (morphology and size of the formed structures) of the newly discovered anion-based layers.

Electronic Structure and Stability of [B12X12]2- (X = F-At): A Combined Photoelectron Spectroscopic and Theoretical Study.

The stability and electron loss process of numerous multiply charged anions (MCAs) have been traditionally explained in terms of the classical Coulomb interaction between spatially separated charged groups. An understanding of these processes in MCAs with not well-separated excess charges is still lacking. We report the surprising properties and physical behavior of [B12X12]2-, X = F, Cl, Br, I, At, which are MCAs with not well-separated excess charges and cannot be described by the prevailing classical picture. In this series of MCAs, comprising a "boron core" surrounded by a "halogen shell", the sign of the total charge in these two regions changes along the halogen series from X = F-At. With the aid of experimental photoelectron spectroscopy and highly correlated ab initio electronic structure calculations, we demonstrate that the trend in the electronic stability of these MCAs is determined by the interplay between the Coulomb (de)stabilization originating from the "boron core" and "halogen shell" and the extension of the overlap between the orbitals from both regions. The second excess electron is always taken from the most positively charged region, viz., the "boron core" for X = F, Cl, and the surrounding "halogen shell" for X = I, At. This change in the physical behavior is attributed to the position of the highest occupied molecular orbital, which dwells in a region that is spatially separated from the one containing the excess negative charge. The unusual intrinsic electronic structure of the [B12X12]2- MCAs provides the basis for a molecular level understanding of their observed unique physical and chemical properties and a new paradigm for understanding the properties of these MCAs with not well-separated charges that departs from the prevailing model used for spatially separated charges that is based on their classical Coulomb interaction.

Superelectrophilic Behavior of an Anion Demonstrated by the Spontaneous Binding of Noble Gases to [B12 Cl11 ].

It is common and chemically intuitive to assign cations electrophilic and anions nucleophilic reactivity, respectively. Herein, we demonstrate a striking violation of this concept: The anion [B12 Cl11 ]- spontaneously binds to the noble gases (Ngs) xenon and krypton at room temperature in a reaction that is typical of "superelectrophilic" dications. [B12 Cl11 Ng]- adducts, with Ng binding energies of 80 to 100 kJ mol-1 , contain B-Ng bonds with a substantial degree of covalent interaction. The electrophilic nature of the [B12 Cl11 ]- anion is confirmed spectroscopically by the observation of a blue shift of the CO stretching mode in the IR spectrum of [B12 Cl11 CO]- and theoretically by investigation of its electronic structure. The orientation of the electric field at the reactive site of [B12 Cl11 ]- results in an energy barrier for the approach of polar molecules and facilitates the formation of Ng adducts that are not detected with reactive cations such as [C6 H5 ]+ . This introduces the new chemical concept of "dipole-discriminating electrophilic anions."

The First Step of the Oxidation of Elemental Sulfur: Crystal Structure of the Homopolyatomic Sulfur Radical Cation [S8 ].

The oxidation of elemental sulfur in superacidic solutions and melts is one of the oldest topics in inorganic main group chemistry. Thus far, only three homopolyatomic sulfur cations ([S4 ]2+ , [S8 ]2+ , and [S19 ]2+ ) have been characterized crystallographically although ESR investigations have given evidence for the presence of at least two additional homopolyatomic sulfur radical cations in solution. Herein, the crystal structure of the hitherto unknown homopolyatomic sulfur radical cation [S8 ].+ is presented. The radical cation [S8 ].+ represents the first step of the oxidation of the S8 molecule present in elemental sulfur. It has a structure similar to the known structure of [S8 ]2+ , but the transannular sulfur⋅⋅⋅sulfur contact is significantly elongated. Quantum-chemical calculations help in understanding its structure and support its presence in solution as a stable compound. The existence of [S8 ].+ is also in accord with previous ESR investigations.

Reaction of the Tricyanoborate Dianion [B(CN)3]2- with HgCl2.

The very reactive [B(CN)3]2- dianion has a strongly nucleophilic boron atom and can be used for the synthesis of tricyanoborates, which otherwise are difficult to access. Herein the reaction of this anion with HgCl2 is reported. The main product is the anionic mercury complex [Hg(B(CN)3)2]2-. Heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic experiments shows that the reaction proceeds via the intermediate [ClHgB(CN)3]2-. Even though [Hg(B(CN)3)2]2- is the main product, it is difficult to obtain it in pure form, because it slowly decomposes in the presence of water and air to [(NC)HgB(CN)3]-. All three anions were fully characterized by hetereonuclear NMR spectroscopy (11B, 13C, and 199Hg). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the salts K[ClHgB(CN)3], [Ph4P]2[Hg(B(CN)3)2], K[(NC)HgB(CN)3], and [Ph4P][(NC)HgB(CN)3] revealed linear coordination environments around mercury for all anions. The Hg-B bonds range from 2.219(5) Å in [Hg(B(CN)3)2]2- to 2.148(11) Å in [ClHgB(CN)3]-, are in accord with the sum of the covalent radii of mercury and boron, and can be described as covalent single bonds. A comparison with related complexes indicates that the [B(CN)3]2- dianion is a stronger ligand than chloride, cyanide, or carbenes. [Hg(B(CN)3)2]2- hydrolyses in solution only in the presence of oxygen. It is suggested that cis-[Hg(OH)2(B(CN)3)2]2- is formed as a very unstable intermediate, which decomposes very fast to [(NC)HgB(CN)3]- and other products. The anion cis-[Hg(OH)2(B(CN)3)2]2- would contain mercury in the unusual oxidation state +IV. Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to support this assumption.

Improving the Solubility of Halogenated 1-Ammonio-closo-dodecaborate Anions.

The partly halogenated and N-alkylated closo-dodecaborates [B12Cl6H5N(propyl)3]- and [B12Br6H5NR3]- (R = ethyl-pentyl) were prepared by alkylation of [B12H11NH3]- and subsequent halogenation with elemental chlorine or N-bromosuccinimide. Simple metathesis reactions yielded the [HNMe3]+, [C6mim]+, [NBu4]+, and Na+ salts, which were characterized by heteronuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of the salts [HNMe3][B12Br6H5N(ethyl)3]·CH3CN, [HNMe3][B12Br6H5N(propyl)3], Na[B12Br6H5N(butyl)3], and [HNMe3][B12Cl7H4N(propyl)3]·CH3CN were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The [C6mim]+ salts are thermally stable to temperatures higher than 300 °C. The melting points are between 57 and 80 °C, which classify the [C6mim]+ salts of [B12Cl6H5N(propyl)3]- and [B12Br6H5NR3]- (R = propyl-pentyl) as ionic liquids. The anions are oxidized only at potentials higher than 2 V versus Fc0/+ as determined by cyclic voltammetry. The solubility of the sodium salts in CH2Cl2 solution was determined by NMR spectroscopy. With the increasing length of the alkyl chain attached to the ammonio group the solubility is significantly enhanced. A solubility up to 125 mmol/L for Na[B12Br6H5N(pentyl)3] in dichloromethane was determined. In addition, the trialkylation of the perchlorinated anion [B12Cl11NH3]- was investigated in detail. A Hofmann elimination was observed to occur at higher temperatures, when alkyl groups with ß-hydrogen atoms were introduced. Organic substituents without ß-hydrogen atoms gave more stable compounds; however, trialkylation proved to be difficult presumably due to steric hindrance. The crystal structure of the byproduct [PPh4]2[B12Cl11N(propargyl)2] was determined.