The hexacyanodiborane(6) dianion [B2(CN)6](2-).

Diborane(6) dianions with substituents that are bonded to boron via carbon are very reactive and therefore only a few examples are known. Diborane(6) derivatives are the simplest catenated boron compounds with an electron-precise B-B σ-bond that are of fundamental interest and of relevance for material applications. The homoleptic hexacyanodiborane(6) dianion B2 (CN)6 that is chemically very robust is reported. The dianion is air-stable and resistant against boiling water and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Its salts are thermally highly stable, for example, decomposition of (H3 O)2 [B2 (CN)6 ] starts at 200 °C. The B2 (CN)6 dianion is readily accessible starting from 1) B(CN)3 (2-) and an oxidant, 2) BF(CN)3 and a reductant, or 3) by the reaction of B(CN)3 (2-) with BHal(CN)3 (Hal=F, Br). The latter reaction was found to proceed via a triply negatively charged transition state according to an SN 2 mechanism.