Chapter 22, Problem 22.171CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A structure for ${\text{AlBH}}_{\text{6}}$ has to be suggested.

Concept introduction:

• ${\text{B}}_2{\text{H}}_{\text{6}}$ is a special type of compound with two types of $B-\text{H}$ bonds. The structure of ${\text{B}}_2{\text{H}}_{\text{6}}$
  • is given as:

  
  

• B has 3 valence electrons, 2 of those are used in bonding to two hydrogens at the terminal. So, only 1 electron is left for bonding. The bridging hydrogen supply electron. Thus, the bridging bonds are $3c-2e$ bonds.
• Al belongs to the same group, group 3A, as B. Thus a similar structure like that of ${\text{B}}_2{\text{H}}_{\text{6}}$ is supposed to be obtained if we draw the structure of ${\text{AlBH}}_{\text{6}}$.