Feakes, Debra A.2008-04-022012-02-242006-06Feakes, D. A. (2006). <i>Investigation of the mechanism of nucleophilic attack on the [B20H18]2- Anion</i>. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.https://hdl.handle.net/10877/2870Research Enhancement Program Final ReportOur laboratory has isolated and characterized a unique solvent-coordinated anion, [B20H17O (CH2)5]3-, resulting from the combination of the [B20H18]2- anion, a sterically demanding nucleophile, and the solvent, tetrahydropyran. Although the anion is clearly the product of the reaction of the [B20H18]2- anion with the solvent, the role of the nucleophile was unclear. Therefore, the goals of the grant were: 1) Determine the role of the nucleophile and the solvent in the reaction mechanism, 2) Complete a series of reactions using solvents with the same basic structure, but with varying nucleophilic atoms, and 3) Complete the reactions with the sterically demanding nucleophiles in a solvent, which does not inhibit the desired reaction. Although the role of the nucleophile has not been completely determined, we have eliminated several possibilities. Replacement of the nucleophile with a strong base (NaH), does not yield the product. Introduction of only a catalytic amount of the nucleophile does not yield complete reaction. Completion of the reaction in stoichiometric amounts of each of the reactants in a different solvent system does not yield the product. Therefore, the nucleophile is not acting as a base in the reaction nor is it a catalyst. The coordination of the solvent is a result of mass action. Goal 2 has been completed; however, the compounds have not been completely characterized. An undergraduate student will be completing this portion of the project during the summer, 2007. Goal 3 has been completed and final characterization of the resulting compounds is underway. We anticipate that the project will ultimately yield three publications in Inorganic Chemistry.Text1 page1 file (.pdf)en[B20H18]2- anionnucleophileinorganic chemistryReport