CARBORANE Meaning and
Definition
-
Carborane is a term used to describe a class of chemical compounds that contain both carbon and boron atoms in their molecular structures. These compounds are categorized as boron clusters, which are three-dimensional frameworks consisting of boron atoms surrounded by carbon and hydrogen atoms. Carboranes are characterized by their high boron content and unique geometry.
Typically, carboranes consist of twelve boron atoms arranged in a polyhedron shape, with carbon and hydrogen atoms attached to the boron vertices. The carbon atoms serve as bridges between adjacent boron atoms, forming a stable and rigid cage-like structure. Carboranes can vary in complexity, with different arrangements of carbon and hydrogen atoms providing a wide range of chemical and physical properties.
Due to their distinct structure, carboranes exhibit extraordinary stability, high melting points, and resistance to heat and oxidation. They have found applications in various fields, including organic chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry. Carboranes are utilized as building blocks in the synthesis of new materials and pharmaceuticals. They also possess unique electrical and optical properties, making them promising candidates for electronic devices and sensors.
In summary, carborane refers to a class of compounds containing carbon and boron atoms arranged in a three-dimensional cage-like structure. These compounds possess exceptional stability and diverse chemical properties, making them valuable in a wide range of scientific and technological applications.
Etymology of CARBORANE
The word "carborane" is derived from the combination of "carb-" from "carbon" and "-borane" referring to the boron atoms present in the molecule. "Carbon" comes from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "coal" or "charcoal", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ker-, meaning "to burn". "Borane" is formed by adding the suffix "-ane" to "bor", which is derived from "boron", the chemical element boron. The term "boron" is believed to have originated from the Persian word "burah, buraq", referring to a mineral ore. Hence, the word "carborane" implies a compound consisting of carbon and boron atoms.
