Elementary reactions of boron atoms with hydrocarbons-toward the formation of organo-boron compounds.

The chemical reactivity of atomic boron, B(Pj), with inorganic and organic molecules is a fascinating subject of research from the experimental1-35 and theoretical viewpoints.29,30,36-46 Atomic boron resides in the same row as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.47 Although the reaction dynamics and kinetics of the latter elements (C, N, O) have been studied in depth,48-53 an investigation of elementary reactions of boron atoms has remained sketchy so far. These studies are of significant interest due to the position of boron between metals and nonmetals. Apart from the fundamental importance of the elementary boron reactions,54,55 bimolecular collisions involving atomic boron are relevant to material sciences56 such as boron assisted nanotube growth57 and the production of boron-doped diamond thin films,58,59 chemical vapor deposition (CVD), high temperature combustion processes,60,61 interstellar chemistry,62 and the synthesis of novel organo-boron molecules.39-41,45,46,63-69