[Co(solv)6][B10H10] (solv = DMF and DMSO) for Low-Temperature Synthesis of Borides

The synthesis and structure of complexes [Co(solv)(6)][B10H10] (solv = DMF and DMSO) have been reported. Both complexes have been prepared in a high yield by the reaction between cobalt(II) salts and closo-decaborates Cat(2)[B10H10] in the corresponding solvent. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray crystallography. The thermal properties of the compounds have been studied in the temperature range 20-600 degrees C under argon. The conditions to form cobalt borides have been determined based on the results of thermal analysis, subsequent annealing of the complexes in various conditions, and analysis of IR spectra of the resulting thermolysis products.