Formation of argon–boron bonds in the reactions of BFn+/2+ cations with neutral argon

Experimental data on the reactions of argon with BFn+ monocations (n = 0–3) and BFn2+ dications (n = 1, 2) and dications reveal the formation of the new argon species ArBF2+ and ArBF2+. Theoretical calculations on the stability of these ions using density functional theory confirm the formation of the rare-gas compounds, but their formation is only exothermic for the reaction Ar + BF22+ → ArBF2+ + F. According to theory, the corresponding neon compounds all involve endothermic pathways and could hence only be formed via involvement of excited states.

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► Ion/molecule reactions of BFn+/2+ cations promote the formation of argon–boron bonds.
► Combined experimental and theoretical study of Ar·BFn+/2+ species.
► Theoretical predictions for neon–boron compounds.