First ever observation of a neon-containing anion

An image showing a thermodynamically bound neon-containing anion

Source: © Jonas Warneke/Leipzig University

Showing that a superelectrophilic anion can bind the noble gas crosses hurdle on path to making a stable neon compound

Researchers in Germany have succeeded in making a molecular anion that contains neon. Their method exploits the incredible reactivity of the superelectrophilic anion [B12(CN)11] and creates a boron–neon bond.