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 B-n (n = 16, 18, 20, 24) are investigated by using quantum chemical methodology. B-16, B-20, and B-24 are found to sustain high diamagnetic currents, fulfilling the magnetic criterion of aromaticity, while B-18 and B-22 appear to be strongly antiaromatic. Possible connections to the stabilities of these nanoclusters are discussed.