Understanding boron through size-selected clusters: structure, chemical bonding, and fluxionality.

Boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While three-dimensional (3D) structural motifs are prevalent in bulk boron, atomic boron clusters are found to have planar or quasi-planar structures, stabilized by localized two-center-two-electron (2c-2e) σ bonds on the periphery and delocalized multicenter-two-electron (nc-2e) bonds in both σ and π frameworks. Electron delocalization is a result of boron's electron deficiency and leads to fluxional behavior, which has been observed in B13(+) and B19(-). A unique capability of the in-plane rotation of the inner atoms against the periphery of the cluster in a chosen direction by employing circularly polarized infrared radiation has been suggested. Such fluxional behaviors in boron clusters are interesting and have been proposed as molecular Wankel motors. The concepts of aromaticity and antiaromaticity have been extended beyond organic chemistry to planar boron clusters. The validity of these concepts in understanding the electronic structures of boron clusters is evident in the striking similarities of the π-systems of planar boron clusters to those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, naphthalene, coronene, anthracene, or phenanthrene. Chemical bonding models developed for boron clusters not only allowed the rationalization of the stability of boron clusters but also lead to the design of novel metal-centered boron wheels with a record-setting planar coordination number of 10. The unprecedented highly coordinated borometallic molecular wheels provide insights into the interactions between transition metals and boron and expand the frontier of boron chemistry. Another interesting feature discovered through cluster studies is boron transmutation. Even though it is well-known that B(-), formed by adding one electron to boron, is isoelectronic to carbon, cluster studies have considerably expanded the possibilities of new structures and new materials using the B(-)/C analogy. It is believed that the electronic transmutation concept will be effective and valuable in aiding the design of new boride materials with predictable properties. The study of boron clusters with intermediate properties between those of individual atoms and bulk solids has given rise to a unique opportunity to broaden the frontier of boron chemistry. Understanding boron clusters has spurred experimentalists and theoreticians to find new boron-based nanomaterials, such as boron fullerenes, nanotubes, two-dimensional boron, and new compounds containing boron clusters as building blocks. Here, a brief and timely overview is presented addressing the recent progress made on boron clusters and the approaches used in the authors' laboratories to determine the structure, stability, and chemical bonding of size-selected boron clusters by joint photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical studies. Specifically, key findings on all-boron hydrocarbon analogues, metal-centered boron wheels, and electronic transmutation in boron clusters are summarized.

Transition-metal-centered monocyclic boron wheel clusters (M©Bn): a new class of aromatic borometallic compounds.

Atomic clusters have intermediate properties between that of individual atoms and bulk solids, which provide fertile ground for the discovery of new molecules and novel chemical bonding. In addition, the study of small clusters can help researchers design better nanosystems with specific physical and chemical properties. From recent experimental and computational studies, we know that small boron clusters possess planar structures stabilized by electron delocalization both in the σ and π frameworks. An interesting boron cluster is B(9)(-), which has a D(8h) molecular wheel structure with a single boron atom in the center of a B(8) ring. This ring in the D(8h)-B(9)(-) cluster is connected by eight classical two-center, two-electron bonds. In contrast, the cluster's central boron atom is bonded to the peripheral ring through three delocalized σ and three delocalized π bonds. This bonding structure gives the molecular wheel double aromaticity and high electronic stability. The unprecedented structure and bonding pattern in B(9)(-) and other planar boron clusters have inspired the designs of similar molecular wheel-type structures. But these mimics instead substitute a heteroatom for the central boron. Through recent experiments in cluster beams, chemists have demonstrated that transition metals can be doped into the center of the planar boron clusters. These new metal-centered monocyclic boron rings have variable ring sizes, M©B(n) and M©B(n)(-) with n = 8-10. Using size-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, researchers have characterized these novel borometallic molecules. Chemists have proposed a design principle based on σ and π double aromaticity for electronically stable borometallic cluster compounds, featuring a highly coordinated transition metal atom centered inside monocyclic boron rings. The central metal atom is coordinatively unsaturated in the direction perpendicular to the molecular plane. Thus, chemists may design appropriate ligands to synthesize the molecular wheels in the bulk. In this Account, we discuss these recent experimental and theoretical advances of this new class of aromatic borometallic compounds, which contain a highly coordinated central transition metal atom inside a monocyclic boron ring. Through these examples, we show that atomic clusters can facilitate the discovery of new structures, new chemical bonding, and possibly new nanostructures with specific, advantageous properties.

Hexagonal bipyramidal [Ta(2)B(6)](-/0) clusters: B(6) rings as structural motifs.

It has been a long-sought goal in cluster science to discover stable atomic clusters as building blocks for cluster-assembled nanomaterials, as exemplified by the fullerenes and their subsequent bulk syntheses.1, 2 Clusters have also been considered as models to understand bulk properties, providing a bridge between molecular and solid-state chemistry.3 Because of its electron deficiency, boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While bulk boron is known to be dominated by the three-dimensional (3D) B12 icosahedral motifs,4 new forms of elemental boron are continuing to be discovered.5 In contrast to the 3D cages commonly found in bulk boron, in the gas phase two-dimensional (2D) boron clusters are prevalent.6-8 The unusual planar boron clusters have been suggested as potential new bulking blocks or ligands in chemistry.6a Herein we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the [Ta2 B6 ](-) and [Ta2 B6 ] clusters. We found that the most stable structures of both the neutral and anion are D6h bipyramidal, similar to the recently discovered MB6 M structural motif in the Ti7 Rh4 Ir2 B8 solid compound.9.

New insights on the link between Epstein­Barr virus infection and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases (Review).

Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint in healthy controls and neurological patients, regardless of the underlying pathology. Whilst cognitive impairment can be easily diagnosed in the more advanced stages of neurodegenerative diseases, early detection can be challenging. This is mainly the consequence of the incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, currently available neurological treatments do not specifically target cognitive decline, since other motor and non-motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor, autonomic disturbances and depression, are of greater relevance from a therapeutic perspective. In this context, prospective studies must address a number of issues, including the risk factors associated with cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. The present review aims to offer a novel perspective on the association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and cognitive decline found in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, relevant epidemiological studies and clinical trials explaining this connection were reviewed, focusing on the most frequent neurodegenerative disorders. They are namely Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Despite their limitations, possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that explain the impact of Epstein-Barr virus infection on cognitive decline are expected to offer novel study directions on this clinically relevant topic.

A photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional study of di-tantalum boride clusters: Ta2B(x)- (x = 2-5).

The structural and electronic properties for di-tantalum boride clusters Ta(2)B(x)(-) (x = 2-5) were investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The photoelectron spectra for Ta(2)B(x)(-) (x = 2-5) are obtained at several photon energies with rich spectral features. Density functional theory calculations are performed at the BP86 level to search for the global minima of both the anionic and neutral clusters. The calculated vertical electron detachment energies for the global minimum and low-lying isomers are compared with the experimental data. Strong boron-boron bonding is found to dominate the lowest energy structures of Ta(2)B(x)(-) and Ta(2)B(x) (x = 2-5), which are shown to be bipyramidal with the boron atoms forming an equatorial belt around the Ta-Ta dimer. Strong Ta-Ta bonding is observed in Ta(2)B(x)(-) and Ta(2)B(x) for x = 2-4, whereas the Ta-Ta distance is increased significantly in Ta(2)B(5)(-) and Ta(2)B(5).

Geometric and electronic factors in the rational design of transition-metal-centered boron molecular wheels.

The effects of the electronic and geometric factors on the global minimum structures of MB9(-) (M = V, Nb, Ta) are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Photoelectron spectra are obtained for MB9(-) at two photon energies, and similar spectral features are observed for all three species. The structures for all clusters are established by global minima searches and confirmed by comparison of calculated and experimental vertical electron detachment energies. The VB9(-) cluster is shown to have a planar C2v V©B9(-) structure, whereas both NbB9(-) and TaB9(-) are shown to have Cs M©B9(-) type structures with the central metal atom slightly out of plane. Theoretical calculations suggest that the V atom fits perfectly inside the B9 ring forming a planar D(9h) V©B9(2-) structure, while the lower symmetry of V©B9(-) is due to the Jahn-Teller effect. The Nb and Ta atoms are too large to fit in the B9 ring, and they are squeezed out of the plane slightly even in the M©B9(2-) dianions. Thus, even though all three M©B9(2-) dianions fulfill the electronic design principle for the doubly aromatic molecular wheels, the geometric effect lowers the symmetry of the Nb and Ta clusters.

On the way to the highest coordination number in the planar metal-centred aromatic Ta©B10- cluster: evolution of the structures of TaB(n)- (n = 3-8).

The structures and chemical bonding of TaB(n)(-) (n = 3-8) clusters are investigated systematically to elucidate the formation of the planar metal-centred aromatic borometallic cluster, Ta©B10(-) (the © sign is used to designate the central position of the doped atom in monocyclic structures in M©B(n)-type planar clusters), which was found previously to have the highest coordination number for a metal atom in a planar geometry. Photoelectron spectroscopy is combined with ab initio calculations to determine the global minima of the TaB(n)(-) clusters. We find that from TaB3(-) to TaB5(-) the boron atoms nucleate around the central Ta atom to form fan-like structures. A structural transition occurs at TaB6(-), which is found to have a hexagonal structure, but with a boron atom in the centre and the Ta atom on the periphery. TaB7(-) is shown to have a three-dimensional boat-like structure, which can be viewed as a Ta atom coordinated to an elongated B7 cluster from above. The global minimum of the TaB8(-) cluster is found to be pyramidal with the Ta atom interacting with a B8 monocyclic ring. Starting from this structure, additional boron atoms simply enlarge the boron ring to form the slightly pyramidal TaB9(-) cluster and eventually the perfectly planar Ta-centred B10-ring aromatic cluster, Ta©B10(-). It is shown that boron atoms do not nucleate smoothly around a Ta atom on the way to the decacoordinated Ta©B10 (-) molecular wheel, but rather the competition between B-B interactions and Ta-B interactions determines the most stable structures of the smaller TaB(n)(-) (n = 3-8) clusters.

Elongation of planar boron clusters by hydrogenation: boron analogues of polyenes.

Dihydrogenated boron clusters, H(2)B(n)(-) (n = 7-12), were produced and characterized using photoelectron spectroscopy and computational chemistry to have ladderlike structures terminated by a hydrogen atom on each end. The two rows of boron atoms in the dihydrides are bonded by delocalized three-, four-, or five-center σ and π bonds. The π bonding patterns in these boron nanoladders bear similarities to those in conjugated alkenes: H(2)B(7)(-), H(2)B(8), and H(2)B(9)(-), each with two π bonds, are similar to butadiene, while H(2)B(10)(2-), H(2)B(11)(-), and H(2)B(12), each with three π bonds, are analogous to 1,3,5-hexatriene. The boron cluster dihydrides can thus be considered as polyene analogues, or "polyboroenes". Long polyboroenes with conjugated π bonds (analogous to polyacetylenes), which may form a new class of molecular wires, should exist.

Transition-metal-centered nine-membered boron rings: MⓒB9 and MⓒB9(-) (M = Rh, Ir).

We report the observation of two transition-metal-centered nine-atom boron rings, RhⓒB(9)(-) and IrⓒB(9)(-). These two doped-boron clusters are produced in a laser-vaporization supersonic molecular beam and characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Large HOMO-LUMO gaps are observed in the anion photoelectron spectra, suggesting that neutral RhⓒB(9) and IrⓒB(9) are highly stable, closed shell species. Theoretical calculations show that RhⓒB(9) and IrⓒB(9) are of D(9h) symmetry. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that these complexes are doubly aromatic, each with six completely delocalized π and σ electrons, which describe the bonding between the central metal atom and the boron ring. This work establishes firmly the metal-doped B rings as a new class of novel aromatic molecular wheels.

B22- and B23-: all-boron analogues of anthracene and phenanthrene.

Clusters of boron atoms exhibit intriguing size-dependent structures and chemical bonding that are different from bulk boron and may lead to new boron-based nanostructures. We report a combined photoelectron spectroscopic and ab initio study of the 22- and 23-atom boron clusters. The joint experimental and theoretical investigation shows that B(22)(-) and B(23)(-) possess quasi-planar and planar structures, respectively. The quasi-planar B(22)(-) consists of fourteen peripheral atoms and eight interior atoms in a slightly buckled triangular lattice. Chemical bonding analyses of the closed-shell B(22)(2-) species reveal seven delocalized π orbitals, which are similar to those in anthracene. B(23)(-) is a perfectly planar and heart-shaped cluster with a pentagonal cavity and a π-bonding pattern similar to that in phenanthrene. Thus, B(22)(-) and B(23)(-), the largest negatively charged boron clusters that have been characterized experimentally to date, can be viewed as all-boron analogues of anthracene and phenanthrene, respectively. The current work shows not only that boron clusters are planar at very large sizes but also that they continue to yield surprises and novel chemical bonding analogous to specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Geometrical requirements for transition-metal-centered aromatic boron wheels: the case of VB10(-).

A class of transition-metal-centered aromatic boron wheels (D(nh)-M©B(n)(q-)) have been recently produced and characterized according to an electronic design principle. Here we investigate the interplay between electronic and geometric requirements for the molecular wheels using the case of VB(10)(-), which is isoelectronic to the decacoordinated molecular wheels, Ta©B(10)(-) and Nb©B(10)(-). Photoelectron spectra of VB(10)(-) are observed to be broad and complicated with relatively low electron binding energies, in contrast to the simple and high electron binding energies observed for the molecular wheels of its heavier congeners. An unbiased global minimum search found the most stable isomer of VB(10)(-) to be a singlet "boat"-like structure (C(2)), in which the V atom is coordinated to a quasi-planar B(10) unit. A similar triplet C(2v) boat-like isomer is found to be almost degenerate to the C(2) structure, whereas the beautiful molecular wheel structure, D(10h)-V©B(10)(-), is significantly higher in energy on the potential energy surface. Therefore, even though the VB(10)(-) system fulfills the electronic requirement to form a D(10h)-M©B(10)(-) aromatic molecular wheel, the V atom is too small to stabilize the ten-membered boron ring.

Probing the structures of neutral boron clusters using infrared/vacuum ultraviolet two color ionization: B11, B16, and B17.

The structures of neutral boron clusters, B(11), B(16), and B(17), have been investigated using vibrational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Infrared absorption spectra in the wavelength range of 650 to 1550 cm(-1) are obtained for the three neutral boron clusters from the enhancement of their near-threshold ionization efficiency at a fixed UV wavelength of 157 nm (7.87 eV) after resonant absorption of the tunable infrared photons. All three clusters, B(11), B(16), and B(17), are found to possess planar or quasi-planar structures, similar to their corresponding anionic counterparts (B(n) (-)), whose global minima were found previously to be planar, using photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Only minor structural changes are observed between the neutral and the anionic species for these three boron clusters.

Photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of boron-carbon mixed clusters: CB9- and C2B8-.

We performed a joint photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of two carbon-doped boron clusters, CB(9)(-) and C(2)B(8)(-). Unbiased computational searches revealed similar global minimum structures for both clusters. The comparison of the experimentally observed and theoretically calculated vertical detachment energies revealed that only the global minimum structure is responsible for the experimental spectra of CB(9)(-), whereas the two lowest-lying isomers of C(2)B(8)(-) contribute to the experimental spectra. The planar "distorted wheel" type structures with a single inner boron atom found for CB(9)(-) and C(2)B(8)(-) are different from the quasi-planar structure of B(10)(-), which consists of two inner atoms and eight peripheral boron atoms. The adaptive natural density partitioning chemical bonding analysis revealed that CB(9)(-) and C(2)B(8) clusters exhibit π aromaticity and σ antiaromaticity, which is consistent with their planar distorted structures.

A photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of B21-: negatively charged boron clusters continue to be planar at 21.

The structures and chemical bonding of the B(21)(-) cluster have been investigated by a combined photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study. The photoelectron spectrum at 193 nm revealed a very high adiabatic electron binding energy of 4.38 eV for B(21)(-) and a congested spectral pattern. Extensive global minimum searches were conducted using two different methods, followed by high-level calculations of the low-lying isomers. The global minimum of B(21)(-) was found to be a quasiplanar structure with the next low-lying planar isomer only 1.9 kcal/mol higher in energy at the CCSD(T)/6-311-G* level of theory. The calculated vertical detachment energies for the two isomers were found to be in good agreement with the experimental spectrum, suggesting that they were both present experimentally and contributed to the observed spectrum. Chemical bonding analyses showed that both isomers consist of a 14-atom periphery, which is bonded by classical two-center two-electron bonds, and seven interior atoms in the planar structures. A localized two-center two-electron bond is found in the interior of the two planar isomers, in addition to delocalized multi-center σ and π bonds. The structures and the delocalized bonding of the two lowest lying isomers of B(21)(-) were found to be similar to those in the two lowest energy isomers in B(19)(-).

The Blood-Brain Barrier-A Key Player in Multiple Sclerosis Disease Mechanisms.

Over the past decade, multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with severe personal and social consequences, has undergone a steady increase in incidence and prevalence rates worldwide. Despite ongoing research and the development of several novel therapies, MS pathology remains incompletely understood, and the prospect for a curative treatment continues to be unpromising in the near future. A sustained research effort, however, should contribute to a deeper understanding of underlying disease mechanisms, which will undoubtedly yield improved results in drug development. In recent years, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has increasingly become the focus of many studies as it appears to be involved in both MS disease onset and progression. More specifically, neurovascular unit damage is believed to be involved in the critical process of CNS immune cell penetration, which subsequently favors the development of a CNS-specific immune response, leading to the classical pathological and clinical hallmarks of MS. The aim of the current narrative review is to merge the relevant evidence on the role of the BBB in MS pathology in a comprehensive and succinct manner. Firstly, the physiological structure and functions of the BBB as a component of the more complex neurovascular unit are presented. Subsequently, the authors review the specific alteration of the BBB encountered in different stages of MS, focusing on both the modifications of BBB cells in neuroinflammation and the CNS penetration of immune cells. Finally, the currently accepted theories on neurodegeneration in MS are summarized.

The Role of Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenicity-A Theoretical Mosaic.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder generally affecting older adults, is the most common form of dementia worldwide. The disease is marked by severe cognitive and psychiatric decline and has dramatic personal and social consequences. Considerable time and resources are dedicated to the pursuit of a better understanding of disease mechanisms; however, the ultimate goal of obtaining a viable treatment option remains elusive. Neurodegenerative disease as an outcome of gene-environment interaction is a notion widely accepted today; a clear understanding of how external factors are involved in disease pathogenesis is missing, however. In the case of AD, significant effort has been invested in the study of viral pathogens and their role in disease mechanisms. The current scoping review focuses on the purported role HHV-6 plays in AD pathogenesis. First, early studies demonstrating evidence of HHV-6 cantonment in either post-mortem AD brain specimens or in peripheral blood samples of living AD patients are reviewed. Next, selected examples of possible mechanisms whereby viral infection can directly or indirectly contribute to AD pathogenesis are presented, such as autophagy dysregulation, the interaction between miR155 and HHV-6, and amyloid-beta as an antimicrobial peptide. Finally, closely related topics such as HHV-6 penetration in the CNS, HHV-6 involvement in neuroinflammation, and a brief discussion on HHV-6 epigenetics are examined.

Planarization of B7- and B12- clusters by isoelectronic substitution: AlB6- and AlB11-.

Small boron clusters have been shown to be planar from a series of combined photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical studies. However, a number of boron clusters are quasiplanar, such as B(7)(-) and B(12)(-). To elucidate the nature of the nonplanarity in these clusters, we have investigated the electronic structure and chemical bonding of two isoelectronic Al-doped boron clusters, AlB(6)(-) and AlB(11)(-). Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra were obtained for AlB(6)(-), resulting in an accurate electron affinity (EA) for AlB(6) of 2.49 ± 0.03 eV. The photoelectron spectra of AlB(11)(-) revealed the presence of two isomers with EAs of 2.16 ± 0.03 and 2.33 ± 0.03 eV, respectively. Global minimum structures of both AlB(6)(-) and AlB(11)(-) were established from unbiased searches and comparison with the experimental data. The global minimum of AlB(6)(-) is nearly planar with a central B atom and an AlB(5) six membered ring, in contrast to that of B(7)(-), which possesses a C(2v) structure with a large distortion from planarity. Two nearly degenerate structures were found for AlB(11)(-) competing for the global minimum, in agreement with the experimental observation. One of these isomers with the lower EA can be viewed as substituting a peripheral B atom by Al in B(12)(-), which has a bowl shape with a B(9) outer ring and an out-of-plane inner B(3) triangle. The second isomer of AlB(11)(-) can be viewed as an Al atom interacting with a B(11)(-) cluster. Both isomers of AlB(11)(-) are perfectly planar. It is shown that Al substitution of a peripheral B atom in B(7)(-) and B(12)(-) induces planarization by slightly expanding the outer ring due to the larger size of Al.

Molecular wheel to monocyclic ring transition in boron-carbon mixed clusters C2B6⁻ and C3B5⁻.

In this joint experimental and theoretical work we present a novel type of structural transition occurring in the series of C(x)B(8-x)(-) (x=1-8) mixed clusters upon increase of the carbon content from x=2 to x=3. The wheel to ring transition is surprising because it is rather planar-to-linear type of transition to be expected in the series since B(8), B(8)(-), B(8)(2-) and CB(7)(-) are known to possess wheel-type global minimum structures while C(8) is linear.

Aluminum avoids the central position in AlB9- and AlB10-: photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study.

The structures and the electronic properties of two Al-doped boron clusters, AlB(9)(-) and AlB(10)(-), were investigated via joint photoelectron spectroscopy and high-level ab initio study. The photoelectron spectra of both anions are relatively broad and have no vibrational structure. The geometrical structures were established by unbiased global minimum searches using the Coalescence Kick method and comparison between the experimental and calculated vertical electron detachment energies. The results show that both clusters have quasi-planar structures and that the Al atom is located at the periphery. Chemical bonding analysis revealed that the global minimum structures of both anions can be described as doubly (σ- and π-) aromatic systems. The nona-coordinated wheel-type structure of AlB(9)(-) was found to be a relatively high-lying isomer, while a similar structure for the neutral AlB(9) cluster was previously shown to be either a global minimum or a low-lying isomer.

Valence isoelectronic substitution in the B8(-) and B9(-) molecular wheels by an Al dopant atom: umbrella-like structures of AlB7(-) and AlB8(-).

The structures and the electronic properties of two aluminum-doped boron clusters, AlB(7)(-) and AlB(8)(-), were investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. The photoelectron spectra of AlB(7)(-) and AlB(8)(-) are both broad, suggesting significant geometry changes between the ground states of the anions and the neutrals. Unbiased global minimum searches were carried out and the calculated vertical electron detachment energies were used to compare with the experimental data. We found that the Al atom does not simply replace a B atom in the parent B(8)(-) and B(9)(-) planar clusters in AlB(7)(-) and AlB(8)(-). Instead, the global minima of the two doped-clusters are of umbrella shapes, featuring an Al atom interacting ionically with a hexagonal and heptagonal pyramidal B(7) (C(6v)) and B(8) (C(7v)) fragment, respectively. These unique umbrella-type structures are understood on the basis of the special stability of the quasi-planar B(7)(3-) and planar B(8)(2-) molecular wheels derived from double aromaticity.