The primary objective of this U.S.-Czechoslovak research project between Dr. Josef Michl of the University of Texas, Austin, and Dr. Stanislav Hermanek of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Rez, is to explore several aspects of the phyiscal inorganic chemistry of boranes. Upper electronic state spectroscopy will be employed to examine a large number of closo, nido and arachno boranes. Additionally, calculations of excited state energies and wavefunctions, vibrational information, and results from studies of matrix-isolated reactive intermediates will be drawn upon to characterize boranes. Through study of boranes chemistry the researchers expect to determine principles of behavior for electron defuicient molecules and to create an order, similar to that already available for electron-satisfied elements derived through study of the chemistry of carbon. This project in inorganic chemistry fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
