Synthesis and Structural Characterization of C(OTeF₅)₄ and a Comparative Structural Study of the Isoelectronic B(OTeF₅)₄^- Anion

Tetrakis(pentafluoroorthotellurate)carbon(IV), C(OTeF5)4, was synthesized by reaction of CBr4 with BrOTeF5 in SO2ClF solution at −78 °C and was isolated as a colorless, crystalline solid that is room-temperature stable in SO2ClF and in the solid state. Both natural abundance and 99% 13C-enriched C(OTeF5)4 have been characterized in SO2ClF solution by 13C, 19F, and 125Te NMR spectroscopy. In contrast, C(OTeF5)4 undergoes rapid decomposition to O(TeF5)2 and CO2 in CH3CN at 10 °C but is stable at −40 °C. The X-ray crystal structures of C(OTeF5)4 and [N(CH3)4][B(OTeF5)4] were determined at −30 and −170 °C, respectively. The averages of four smaller C/B−O−Te bond angles and O···O contacts and two larger C/B−O−Te bond angles and O···O contacts of C(OTeF5)4 and the isoelectronic B(OTeF5)4- anion are consistent with local S4 symmetry, as predicted by ligand close packing considerations. The existence of three sets of Te−O−C/B−O torsion angles and the energy-minimized geometries of C(OTeF5)4 and B(OTeF5)4- also confirm their local S4 symmetries. The low-temperature, solid-state Raman spectra of 12/13C(OTeF5)4 and B(OTeF5)4- were assigned and compared. The energy-minimized geometries, vibrational frequencies, natural charges, and natural bond orders of both species have been calculated using density functional theory methods. The calculated geometries are in accord with the S4 symmetries assigned for the experimental structures.