Question

The bonding in diborane $\left(B_2{H}_6\right)$ can be described by:

• A. $4$ two centre - two electron bonds & $2$ three- centre- two electron bonds
• B. $3$ two centre- two electron bonds & $3$ three centre- two electron bonds
• C. $2$ two centre- two electron bonds and $4$ three centre- two electron bonds
• D. $4$ two centre- two electron bonds and $4$ two centre- two electron bonds

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$4$ two centre - two electron bonds & $2$ three- centre- two electron bonds

The bonding in diborane $\left(B_2{H}_6\right)$ can be described by $4$ two centre - two electron bonds & $2$ three- centre- two electron bonds. The terminal $B-H$ bonds are normal two centre - two electron bonds. The bridged $B-H$ bonds are electron deficient three- centre- two electron bonds.