Electron-deficient compounds

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003746",
  "term": "Electron-deficient compounds",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "Molecules or ions that possess fewer valence electrons than are needed to form conventional two-center, two-electron bonds connecting all adjacent atoms. This electronic structure necessitates the formation of multicenter bonds to achieve stability, where a pair of electrons binds three or more atomic centers. Diborane (B₂H₆), for example, requires 14 valence electrons for a classical ethane-like structure but has only 12, resulting in two three-center, two-electron bonds involving bridging hydrogen atoms.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1936 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/electron-deficient-compounds/"
}