Merged jet copyrolysis of samples of Ar/B2H6 with either Ar/H2O or Ar/
O2 followed by trapping into an argon matrix has led to the formation
and isolation of the known species boroxin, H3B3O3. These results diff
er from the gas phase microwave study of this system, where H2BOH was
identified and characterized. Local density functional calculations of
the vibrational spectrum of this compound were carried out to aid in
the search for absorptions of H2BOH, and are reported. The difference
between the microwave study and the present study persisted despite ve
ry similar reaction conditions. Possible origins of this discrepancy a
re discussed.