The Synthesis of [Me4N]2[a2-B20H16(NH3)2] and trans-B20H16(NH3)2 from [Me3NH][cis-B20H17NH3] and Their Structural Characterization

The reaction of the recently synthesized [cis-B20H17NH3]- with liquid ammonia afforded a diammonio derivative, [a2-B20H16(NH3)2]2- ([4]2-). Aqueous ferric ion oxidation of [4]2- resulted in a novel neutral derivative, trans-B20H16(NH3)2 (5). The structures of [4]2- and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography.