Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra and Structure of Borohydride Ion and Diborane

Abstract

High resolution proton magnetic resonance spectra are presented for aqueous NaBH₄ and liquid B₂H₆ at 30 and 40 megacycles. B¹¹ magnetic resonance spectra at 6 megacycles are presented for these same substances. The details of the spectra constitute powerful confirmation of a tetrahedral model for BH₄^— and a bridge proton model for B₂H₆. The bridge protons in the latter display resonance at higher applied magnetic field than do the terminal protons, suggesting a more hydride‐ion like character for the former. Quantitative spin‐spin multiplet separations and chemical shifts are recorded.