Cross-cluster transition-metal bonding in oblato-nido dimetallaboranes unveiled by topological analysis

Abstract The bonding situation for the oblato-nido dimetallaboranes (CpV) 2 B 5 H 11 and ( Cp ∗ T ) 2 B 5 H 5 + x , where T  = Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Re and Cp ∗  = C 5 Me 5 , was analyzed using the corresponding model series with Cp ∗ replaced by the cyclopentadienyl C 5 H 5 . The application of different bonding indicators revealed that both through-space and through-bond (via boron atoms of the ring) interactions account for a substantial metal–metal bond.