Polyhedral boron-containing cluster chemistry: Aspects of architecture beyond the icosahedron

Abstract

For the structural extent of the polyhedral molecular chemistry of boron to rival that of the organic chemistry of the carbon hydrides, (a) the individual boron-containing polyhedra need to be fused together to make larger contiguous covalent assemblies, and (b) an intermolecular chemistry needs to be developed. Contemporary examples are given that illustrate novel chemistry in both these areas and that may point the way to some future developments.