Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra and Structure of Borohydride Ion and Diborane

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.