Identify the exact nature of the multi-center bonding architecture present in diborane (). — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Diborane is an electron-deficient hydride. The 4 terminal $B-H$ bonds are normal covalent 2-center-2-electron ($2c-2e$) bonds. The two central bridging hydrogens form 3-center-2-electron ($3c-2e$) "banana" bonds, sharing 2 electrons across 3 nuclei ($B-H-B$).