Theory of sigma bond resonance in flat boron materials

In chemistry, theory of aromaticity or π bond resonance plays a central role in intuitively understanding the stability and properties of organic molecules. Here we present an analogue theory for σ bond resonance in flat boron materials, which allows us to determine the distribution of two-center two-electron and three-center two-electron bonds without quantum calculations. Based on this theory, three rules are proposed to draw the Kekulé-like bonding configurations for flat boron materials and to explore their properties intuitively. As an application of the theory, a simple explanation of why neutral borophene with ~1/9 hole has the highest stability and the effect of charge doping on borophene’s optimal hole concentration is provided with the assumption of σ and π orbital occupation balance. Like the aromaticity theory for carbon materials, this theory greatly deepens our understanding on boron materials and paves the way for the rational design of various boron-based materials. © 2023, The Author(s).