How does one decide whether diborane undergoes symmetric or asymmetric cleavage, given the lewis base which attacks it. Is it possible to ascertain this theoretically?
Sterics is mentioned as the reason at some places, including some answers on this site. This reasoning does work when comparing between the cleavage products when ammonia and trialkyl amine are used as bases but does not explain the symmetric products when other bases like $\ce{CO, PF3}$ are used as bases as proposed in this unanswered question.
Therefore, is it really possible to determine the products just based on the lewis bases theoretically? If it is then what factors need to be accounted for?
