On the Strong Ring Currents in B₂₀ and Neighboring Boron Toroids

Magnetically induced ring currents in the toroidal, double ring forms of the boron clusters Bn (n = 16, 18, 20, 24) are investigated by using quantum chemical methodology. B16, B20, and B24 are found to sustain high diamagnetic currents, fulfilling the magnetic criterion of aromaticity, while B18 and B22 appear to be strongly antiaromatic. Possible connections to the stabilities of these nanoclusters are discussed.