Question

Which is the stronger bond in diborane, B2H6: the terminal B−H bond, or the bridging μ2−BH bonds?

Answer 1

You have a

3-centre-2 electron

bond bridging the borane nuclei.........versus a

2-centre-2 electron bond

in the terminal

B

−

H

bonds. A priori, would we not expect the latter to be stronger? In

H

2

B

(

μ

2

−

H

)

2

B

H

2

the terminal hydride bonds are also shorter than the bridging bonds. Anyway, you are going have to find a text that reports the respective bond-strengths...as a physical scientist you are obliged to quote them.