X-ray-absorption-spectroscopy studies of transition-metal–boron compounds

${\mathit{L}}_{2,3}$-edge x-ray-absorption-spectroscopy studies of the white-line feature are used to probe the electronic structure of 4d transition-metal (T) -based materials. Results of such probes of the elements Mo to Ag are reviewed. Results of a number of binary Pd-B and ternary Rh-B compounds are interpreted in terms of the loss of d states just above ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ and the formation of hybridized T-4d/B antibonding states split well above ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{f}}$.