An odd molecule with an unpaired electron: Reduction of a cationic borane bearing an -methylium center leads to the formation of a neutral radical, which has been studied by X-ray analysis and EPR spectroscopy. The computed spin density (see picture, right) of this radical shows substantial localization of the unpaired electron in a polarized B-C -bonding orbital, a conclusion corroborated by an unusually short B-C bond. (Chemical Equation Presented). 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.
