Is Electronegativity a Useful Descriptor for the Pseudo-Alkali Metal NH4?

Molecular ions in the form of pseudo-atoms are common structural motifs in chemistry, with properties that are transferrable between different compounds. We have determined one such property-the electronegativity-for the pseudo-alkali metal ammonium (NH4), and evaluated its reliability as a descriptor versus the electronegativities of the alkali metals. The computed properties of ammoniums binary complexes with astatine and of selected borohydrides confirm the similarity of NH4 to the alkali metal atoms, although the electronegativity of NH4 is relatively large in comparison to its cationic radius. We have paid particular attention to the molecular properties of ammonium (angular anisotropy, geometric relaxation and reactivity), which can cause deviations from the behaviour expected of a conceptual true alkali metal with this electronegativity. These deviations allow for the discrimination of effects associated with the molecular nature of NH4.