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B≡N and B≡B triple bonds induce C-H activation of acetone to yield a (2-propenyloxy)aminoborane and an unsymmetrical 1-(2- propenyloxy)-2-hydrodiborene, respectively. DFT calculations showed that, despite their stark electronic differences, both the B≡N and B≡B triple bonds activate acetone via a similar coordination-deprotonation mechansim. In contrast, the reaction of acetone with a cAAC-supported diboracumulene yielded a unique 1,2,3-oxadiborole, which according to DFT calculations also proceeds via an unsymmetrical diborene, followed by intramolecular hydride migration and a second C-H activation of the enolate ligand.
Reaction of bis-catecholatodiboron-NHC adducts, B\(_2\)Cat\(_2\)(NHC), (NHC = IMe (tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene), IMes (1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene) or IDIPP (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene)) with BCl3 results in the replacement of the catecholato group bound to the four coordinate boron with two chlorides to yield diboron(5) Lewis acid-base adducts of formula CatB-BCl\(_2\)(NHC). These compounds are precursors to diboron(5) monocations, accessed by adding AlCl\(_3\) or K[B(C\(_6\)F\(_5\))\(_4\)] as halide abstraction agents in the presence of a Lewis base. The substitution of the chlorides of CatB-BCl\(_2\)(NHC) for hydrides is achieved using Bu\(_3\)SnH and a halide abstracting agent to form 1,1-dihydrodiboron(5) compounds, CatB-BH\(_2\)(NHC). Attempts to generate diboron(4) monocations of formula [CatB-B(Y)(NHC)]\(^+\) (Y = Cl or H) led to the rapid formation of CatBY.
Molecules containing multiple bonds between atoms—most often in the form of olefins—are ubiquitous in nature, commerce, and science, and as such have a huge impact on everyday life. Given their prominence, over the last few decades, frequent attempts have been made to perturb the structure and reactivity of multiply-bound species through bending and twisting. However, only modest success has been achieved in the quest to completely twist double bonds in order to homolytically cleave the associated π bond. Here, we present the isolation of double-bond-containing species based on boron, as well as their fully twisted diradical congeners, by the incorporation of attached groups with different electronic properties. The compounds comprise a structurally authenticated set of diamagnetic multiply-bound and diradical singly-bound congeners of the same class of compound.
Cyclic diboranes(4) based on a chelating monoanionic, benzylphosphine linker were prepared by boron-silicon exchange between arylsilanes and B\(_2\)Br\(_4\). Coordination of Lewis bases to the remaining sp\(^2\) boron atom yielded unsymmetrical sp\(^3\)-sp\(^3\) diboranes, which were reduced with KC\(_8\) to their corresponding trans-diborenes. These compounds were studied by a combination of spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations. PMe\(_3\)-stabilized diborene 6 was found to undergo thermal rearrangement to gem- diborene 8. DFT calculations on 8 reveal a polar boron-boron bond, and indicate that the compound is best described as a borylborylene.
The desymmetrization of the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene-supported diboracumulene, B\(_2\)(cAAC\(^{Me}\))\(_2\) (cAAC\(^{Me}\) = 1- (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene) by mono-adduct formation with IMe\(^{Me}\) (1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) yields the zerovalent sp-sp\(^2\) diboron compound B\(_2\)(cAAC\(^{Me}\))\(_2\)(IMe\(^{Me}\)), which provides a versatile platform for the synthesis of novel symmetrical and unsymmetrical zerovalent sp\(^2\)-sp\(^2\) diboron compounds by adduct formation with IMe\(^{Me}\) and CO, respectively. Furthermore, B\(_2\)(cAAC\(^{Me}\))\(_2\)(IMe\(^{Me}\)) displays enhanced reactivity compared to its symmetrical precursor, undergoing spontaneous intramolecular C-H activation and facile twofold hydrogenation, the latter resulting in B-B bond cleavage and the formation of the mixed-base parent borylene, (cAAC\(^{Me}\))(IMe\(^{Me}\))BH.
A doubly base-stabilized diborane based on a benzylphosphine linker was prepared by a salt elimination reaction between 2-LiC\(_6\)H\(_4\)CH\(_2\)PCy\(_2\).Et\(_2\)O and B\(_2\)Br\(_4\). This compound was reduced with KC8 to its corresponding diborene, with the benzylphosphine forming a five-membered chelate. The diborene reacts with butadiene, 2-trimethylsiloxy-1,3-butadiene and isoprene to form 4,5-diboracyclohexenes, which interconvert between their 1,1- (geminal) and 1,2- (vicinal) chelated isomers. The 1,1-chelated diborene undergoes a halide-catalysed isomerisation into its thermodynamically favoured 1,2-isomer, which undergoes Diels-Alder reactions more slowly than the kinetic product.
Sterically unencumbered diborenes based on a benzylphosphine chelate undergo diboration reactions with bis(catecholato)diboron in the absence of a catalyst to yield tetraboranes. The symmetrical diborenes studied undergo 1,2- diborations, whereas an unsymmetrical derivative was found to yield a triborylborane-phosphine adduct as the result of a formal 1,1-diboration. A related borylborylene compound also underwent a 1,2-diboration to produce a borylene-borane adduct.
Molecules containing multiple bonds between atoms—most often in the form of olefins—are ubiquitous in nature, commerce, and science, and as such have a huge impact on everyday life. Given their prominence, over the last few decades, frequent attempts have been made to perturb the structure and reactivity of multiply-bound species through bending and twisting. However, only modest success has been achieved in the quest to completely twist double bonds in order to homolytically cleave the associated π bond. Here, we present the isolation of double-bond-containing species based on boron, as well as their fully twisted diradical congeners, by the incorporation of attached groups with different electronic properties. The compounds comprise a structurally authenticated set of diamagnetic multiply-bound and diradical singly-bound congeners of the same class of compound.
A set of diboryldiborenes are prepared by the mild, catalyst-free, room-temperature diboration of the B–B triple bonds of doubly base-stabilized diborynes. Two of the product diboryldiborenes are found to be air- and water-stable in the solid state, an effect that is attributed to their high crystallinity and extreme insolubility in a wide range of solvents.
The study of main-group molecules that behave and react similarly to transition-metal (TM) complexes has attracted significant interest in recent decades. Most notably, the attractive idea of replacing the all-too-often rare and costly metals from catalysis has motivated efforts to develop main-group-element-mediated reactions. Main-group elements, however, lack the electronic flexibility of TM complexes that arises from combinations of empty and filled d orbitals and that seem ideally suited to bind and activate many substrates. In this review, we look at boron, an element that despite its nonmetal nature, low atomic weight, and relative redox staticity has achieved great milestones in terms of TM-like reactivity. We show how in interelement cooperative systems, diboron molecules, and hypovalent complexes the fifth element can acquire a truly metallomimetic character. As we discuss, this character is powerfully demonstrated by the reactivity of boron-based molecules with H2, CO, alkynes, alkenes and even with N2.
A compound with a boron-boron triple bond is shown to undergo stepwise hydroboration reactions with catecholborane to yield an unsymmetrical hydro(boryl)diborene and a 2,3-dihydrotetraborane. Abstraction of H– from the latter compound produces an unusual cationic, planar tetraborane with a hydrogen atom bridging the central B2 moiety. Spectroscopic and crystallographic data and DFT calculations support a ‘protonated diborene’ structure for this compound, which can also be accessed via direct protonation of the corresponding diborene.
The lability of B=B, B-P and B-halide bonds is combined in the syntheses of the first diiododiborenes. In a series of reactivity tests, these diiododiborenes demonstrate cleavage of all six of their central bonds in different ways, leading to products of B=B hydrogenation and dihalogenation as well as halide exchange.
The addition of alkynes to a staturated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-supported diboryne results in spontaneous cycloaddition, with complete B≡B and C≡C triple bond cleavage, NHC ring- expansion and activation of a variety of C-H bonds, leading to the formation of complex mixtures of fused B,N-heterocycles.
In this work, two new quadrupolar A-π-D-π-A chromophores have been prepared featuring a strongly electron- donating diborene core and strongly electron-accepting dimesitylboryl F(BMes2) and bis(2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)boryl (BMes2) end groups. Analysis of the compounds by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis-NIR absorption and emission spectroscopy indicated that the compounds possess extended conjugated π-systems spanning their B4C8 cores. The combination of exceptionally potent π-donor (diborene) and π- acceptor (diarylboryl) groups, both based on trigonal boron, leads to very small HOMO-LUMO gaps, resulting in strong absorption in the near-IR region with maxima in THF at 840 and 1092 nm, respectively, and very high extinction coefficients of ca. 120,000 M-1cm-1. Both molecules also display weak near-IR fluorescence with small Stokes shifts.
A combination of copper iodide and phenanthroline as the ligand is an efficient catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of highly fluorinated boronate esters (aryl−Bpin) with aryl iodides and bromides to generate fluorinated biaryls in good to excellent yields. This method represents a nice alternative to traditional cross‐coupling methods which require palladium catalysts and stoichiometric amounts of silver oxide. We note that π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions dominate the molecular packing in the partly fluorinated biaryl crystals investigated herein. They are present either between the arene and perfluoroarene, or solely between arenes or perfluoroarenes, respectively.
The photophysical properties (absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence) of a series of triarylboranes of the form 4-D-C\(_6\)H\(_4\)-B(Ar)\(_2\) (D=\(^t\)Bu or NPh\(_2\); Ar=mesityl (Mes) or 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethylphenyl (Fmes)) were analyzed theoretically using state-of-the-art DFT and TD-DFT methods. Simulated emission spectra and computed decay rate constants are in very good agreement with the experimental data. Unrestricted electronic computations including vibronic contributions explain the unusual optical behavior of 4-\(^t\)Bu-C\(_6\)H\(_4\)-B(Fmes)\(_2\) 2, which shows both fluorescence and phosphorescence at nearly identical energies (at 77 K in a frozen glass). Analysis of the main normal modes responsible for the phosphorescence vibrational fine structure indicates that the bulky tert-butyl group tethered to the phenyl ring is strongly involved. Interestingly, in THF solvent, the computed energies of the singlet and triplet excited states are very similar for compound 2 only, which may explain why 2 shows phosphorescence in contrast to the other members of the series.
The reactivity of a diruthenium tetrahydride complex towards three selected dihydroboranes was investigated. The use of [DurBH\(_{2}\)] (Dur=2,3,5,6‐Me\(_{4}\)C\(_{6}\)H) and [(Me\(_{3}\)Si)\(_{2}\)NBH\(_{2}\)] led to the formation of bridging borylene complexes of the form [(Cp\(^{*}\)RuH)\(_{2}\)BR] (Cp\(^{*}\)=C\(_{5}\)Me\(_{5}\); 1 a: R=Dur; 1 b: R=N(SiMe\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)) through oxidative addition of the B−H bonds with concomitant hydrogen liberation. Employing the more electron‐deficient dihydroborane [3,5‐(CF\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)‐C\(_{6}\)H\(_{3}\)BH\(_{2}\)] led to the formation of an anionic complex bearing a tetraarylated chain of four boron atoms, namely Li(THF)\(_{4}\)[(Cp\(^{*}\)Ru)\(_{2}\)B\(_{4}\)H\(_{5}\)(3,5‐(CF\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)C\(_{6}\)H\(_{3}\))\(_{4}\)] (4), through an unusual, incomplete threefold dehydrocoupling process. A comparative theoretical investigation of the bonding in a simplified model of 4 and the analogous complex nido‐[1,2(Cp\(^{*}\)Ru)\(_{2}\)(μ‐H)B\(_{4}\)H\(_{9}\)] (I) indicates that there appear to be no classical σ‐bonds between the boron atoms in complex I, whereas in the case of 4 the B\(_{4}\) chain better resembles a network of three B−B σ bonds, the central bond being significantly weaker than the other two.
The electron‐precise binary boron subhalide species [B\(_2\)X\(_6\)]\(^{2−}\) X=F, Br, I) were synthesized and their structures confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The existence of the previously claimed [B\(_2\)Cl\(_6\)]\(^{2−}\), which had been questioned, was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The dianions are isoelectronic to hexahaloethanes, are subhalide analogues of the well‐known tetrahaloborate anions (BX\(_4\)\(^−\)), and are rare examples of molecular electron‐precise binary boron species beyond B\(_2\)X\(_4\), BX\(_3\), and [BX\(_4\)]\(^−\).
While polysulfones constitute a class of well‐established, highly valuable applied materials, knowledge about polymers based on the related sulfoximine group is very limited. We have employed functionalized diaryl sulfoximines and a p ‐phenylene bisborane as building blocks for unprecedented BN‐ and BO‐doped alternating inorganic–organic hybrid copolymers. While the former were accessed by a facile silicon/boron exchange protocol, the synthesis of polymers with main‐chain B–O linkages was achieved by salt elimination.
The reductive coupling of an NHC-stabilized aryldibromoborane yields a mixture of trans- and cis-diborenes in which the aryl groups are coplanar with the diborene core. Under dilute reduction conditions two diastereomers of a borirane-borane intermediate are isolated, which upon further reduction give rise to the aforementioned diborene mixture. DFT calculations suggest a mechanism proceeding via nucleophilic attack of a dicoordinate borylene intermediate on the aryl ring and subsequent intramolecular B-B bond formation.
Five compounds containing boron–boron multiple bonds are shown to undergo hydrophosphination reactions with diphenylphosphine in the absence of a catalyst. With diborenes, the products obtained are highly dependent on the substitution pattern at the boron atoms, with both 1,1- and 1,2- hydrophosphinations observed. With a symmetrical diboryne, 1,2-hydrophosphination yields a hydro(phosphino)diborene. The different mechanistic pathways for the hydrophosphination of diborenes are rationalised with the aid of density functional theory calculations.
We present herein an in‐depth study of complexes in which a molecule containing a boron‐boron triple bond is bound to tellurate cations. The analysis allows the description of these salts as true π complexes between the B−B triple bond and the tellurium center. These complexes thus extend the well‐known Dewar‐Chatt‐Duncanson model of bonding to compounds made up solely of p block elements. Structural, spectroscopic and computational evidence is offered to argue that a set of recently reported heterocycles consisting of phenyltellurium cations complexed to diborynes bear all the hallmarks of \(\pi\)‐complexes in the \(\pi\)‐complex/metallacycle continuum envisioned by Joseph Chatt. Described as such, these compounds are unique in representing the extreme of a metal‐free continuum with conventional unsaturated three‐membered rings (cyclopropenes, azirenes, borirenes) occupying the opposite end.
Three different perfluoroalkylated borafluorenes (\(^{F}\)Bf) were prepared and their electronic and photophysical properties were investigated. The systems have four trifluoromethyl moieties on the borafluorene moiety as well as two trifluoromethyl groups at the ortho positions of their exo‐aryl moieties. They differ with regard to the para substituents on their exo‐aryl moieties, being a proton \(^{F}\)Xyl\(^{F}\)Bf, \(^{F}\)Xyl: 2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl), a trifluoromethyl group (\(^{F}\)Mes\(^{F}\)Bf, \(^{F}\)Mes: 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) or a dimethylamino group (p‐NMe\(_{2}\)‐\(^{F}\)Xyl\(^{F}\)Bf, p‐NMe\(_{2}\)‐\(^{F}\)Xyl: 4‐(dimethylamino)‐2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl), respectively. All derivatives exhibit extraordinarily low reduction potentials, comparable to those of perylenediimides. The most electron‐deficient derivative \(^{F}\)Mes\(^{F}\)Bf was also chemically reduced and its radical anion isolated and characterized. Furthermore, all compounds exhibit very long fluorescent lifetimes of about 250 ns up to 1.6 μs; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this differ. The donor‐substituted derivative p‐NMe\(_{2}\)‐\(^{F}\)Xyl\(^{F}\)Bf exhibits thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) from a charge‐transfer (CT) state, whereas the \(^{F}\)Mes\(^{F}\)Bf and FXylFBf borafluorenes exhibit only weakly allowed locally excited (LE) transitions due to their symmetry and low transition‐dipole moments.
Boron's unique position in the Periodic Table, that is, at the apex of the line separating metals and nonmetals, makes it highly versatile in chemical reactions and applications. Contemporary demand for renewable and clean energy as well as energy‐efficient products has seen boron playing key roles in energy‐related research, such as 1) activating and synthesizing energy‐rich small molecules, 2) storing chemical and electrical energy, and 3) converting electrical energy into light. These applications are fundamentally associated with boron's unique characteristics, such as its electron‐deficiency and the availability of an unoccupied p orbital, which allow the formation of a myriad of compounds with a wide range of chemical and physical properties. For example, boron's ability to achieve a full octet of electrons with four covalent bonds and a negative charge has led to the synthesis of a wide variety of borate anions of high chemical and electrochemical stability—in particular, weakly coordinating anions. This Review summarizes recent advances in the study of boron compounds for energy‐related processes and applications.
A cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) has been shown to react with a covalent azide similar to the Staudinger reaction. The reaction of \(^{Me}\)CAAC with trimethylsilyl azide afforded the N‐silylated 2‐iminopyrrolidine (\(^{Me}\)CAAC=NSiMe\(_{3}\)), which was fully characterized. This compound undergoes hydrolysis to afford the 2‐iminopyrrolidine and trimethylsiloxane which co‐crystallize as a hydrogen‐bonded adduct. The N‐silylated 2‐iminopyrrolidine was used to transfer the novel pyrrolidine‐2‐iminato ligand onto both main‐group and transition‐metal centers. The reaction of the tetrabromodiborane bis(dimethyl sulfide) adduct with two equivalents of \(^{Me}\)CAAC=NSiMe\(_{3}\) afforded the disubstituted diborane. The reaction of \(^{Me}\)CAAC=NSiMe\(_{3}\) with TiCl\(_{4}\) and CpTiCl\(_{3}\) afforded \(^{Me}\)CAAC=NTiCl\(_{3}\) and \(^{Me}\)CAAC=NTiCl\(_{2}\)Cp, respectively.
The reductive coupling of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) stabilized (dibromo)vinylborane yields a 1,2-divinyl- diborene, which, although isoelectronic to a 1,3,5-triene, displays no extended p conjugation because of twisting of the C\(_2\)B\(_2\)C\(_2\) chain. While this divinyldiborene coordinates to copper(I) and platinum(0) in an η\(^2\)-B\(_2\) and η\(^4\)-C\(_2\)B\(_2\) fashion, respectively, it undergoes a complex rearrangement to an η\(^4\)-1,3-diborete upon complexation with nickel(0).
cAAC‐Stabilized 9,10‐diboraanthracenes—Acenes with Open‐Shell Singlet Biradical Ground States
(2020)
Narrow HOMO–LUMO gaps and high charge‐carrier mobilities make larger acenes potentially high‐efficient materials for organic electronic applications. The performance of such molecules was shown to significantly increase with increasing number of fused benzene rings. Bulk quantities, however, can only be obtained reliably for acenes up to heptacene. Theoretically, (oligo)acenes and (poly)acenes are predicted to have open‐shell singlet biradical and polyradical ground states, respectively, for which experimental evidence is still scarce. We have now been able to dramatically lower the HOMO–LUMO gap of acenes without the necessity of unfavorable elongation of their conjugated π system, by incorporating two boron atoms into the anthracene skeleton. Stabilizing the boron centers with cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes gives neutral 9,10‐diboraanthracenes, which are shown to feature disjointed, open‐shell singlet biradical ground states.
Diplatinum A‐frame complexes with a bridging (di)boron unit in the apex position were synthesized in a single step by the double oxidative addition of dihalo(di)borane precursors at a bis(diphosphine)‐bridged Pt\(^{0}\)\(_{2}\) complex. While structurally analogous to well‐known μ‐borylene complexes, in which delocalized dative three‐center‐two‐electron M‐B‐M bonding prevails, theoretical investigations into the nature of Pt−B bonding in these A‐frame complexes show them to be rare dimetalla(di)boranes displaying two electron‐sharing Pt−B σ‐bonds. This is experimentally reflected in the low kinetic stability of these compounds, which are prone to loss of the (di)boron bridgehead unit.
Tetraiododiborane(4) (B\(_2\)I\(_4\)) is a Polymer based on sp\(^3\) Boron in the Solid State
(2020)
Herein we present the first solid‐state structures of tetraiododiborane(4) (B\(_2\)I\(_4\)), which was long believed to exist in all phases as discrete molecules with planar, tricoordinate boron atoms, like the lighter tetrahalodiboranes(4) B\(_2\)F\(_4\), B\(_2\)Cl\(_4\), and B\(_2\)Br\(_4\). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state NMR, and IR measurements indicate that B\(_2\)I\(_4\) in fact exists as two different polymeric forms in the solid state, both of which feature boron atoms in tetrahedral environments. DFT calculations are used to simulate the IR spectra of the solution and solid‐state structures, and these are compared with the experimental spectra.
A number of novel alkynyl-functionalized diarylbis(dimethylamino)diboranes(4) are prepared by salt metathesis, and the appended alkynyl groups are subjected to hydroboration. Their reactions with monohydroboranes lead to discrete boryl-appended diborane(4) species, while dihydroboranes induce their catenation to oligomeric species, the first known examples of well-characterized macromolecular species with B−B bonds. The oligomeric species were found to comprise up to ten repeat units and are soluble in common organic solvents. Some of the oligomeric species have good air stability and all were characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography techniques.
The synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of selectively mono-, bis- and tris-dimethylamino- and trimethylammonium-substituted bis-triarylborane bithiophene chromophores are presented along with the water solubility and singlet oxygen sensitizing efficiency of the cationic compounds Cat\(^{1+}\), Cat\(^{2+}\), Cat(i)\(^{2+}\), and Cat\(^{3+}\). Comparison with the mono-triarylboranes reveals the large influence of the bridging unit on the properties of the bis-triarylboranes, especially those of the cationic compounds. Based on these preliminary investigations, the interactions of Cat\(^{1+}\), Cat\(^{2+}\), Cat(i)\(^{2+}\), and Cat\(^{3+}\) with DNA, RNA, and DNApore were investigated in buffered solutions. The same compounds were investigated for their ability to enter and localize within organelles of human lung carcinoma (A549) and normal lung (WI38) cells showing that not only the number of charges but also their distribution over the chromophore influences interactions and staining properties.
Cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene-stabilized (cyano)hydroboryl anions were synthesized by deprotonation of (cyano)dihydroborane precursors. While they display boron-centered nucleophilic reactivity towards organohalides, generating fully unsymmetrically substituted cyano(hydro)organoboranes, they show cyano-nitrogen-centered nucleophilic reactivity towards haloboranes, resulting in the formation of hitherto unknown linear 2-aza-1,4-diborabutatrienes.
Twisted boron-based biradicals featuring unsaturated C\(_2\)R\(_2\) (R=Et, Me) bridges and stabilization by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) were recently prepared. These species show remarkable geometrical and electronic differences with respect to their unbridged counterparts. Herein, a thorough computational investigation on the origin of their distinct electrostructural properties is performed. It is shown that steric effects are mostly responsible for the preference for twisted over planar structures. The ground-state multiplicity of the twisted structure is modulated by the σ framework of the bridge, and different R groups lead to distinct multiplicities. In line with the experimental data, a planar structure driven by delocalization effects is observed as global minimum for R=H. The synthetic elusiveness of C\(_2\)R\(_2\)-bridged systems featuring N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) was also investigated. These results could contribute to the engineering of novel main group biradicals.
An N-heterocyclic-carbene-stabilized diboryne undergoes rapid, high-yielding and catalyst-free hydroamina- tion reactions with primary amines, yielding 1-amino-2-hydro- diborenes, which can be considered boron analogues of enamines. The electronics of the organic substituent at nitrogen influence the structure and further reactivity of the diborene product. With electron-rich anilines, a second hydroamination can occur at the diborene to generate 1,1-diamino-2,2-dihy- drodiboranes. With isopropylamine, the electronic influence of the alkyl substituent upon the diborene leads to an unprece- dented boron-mediated intramolecular N-dearylation reaction of an N-heterocyclic carbene unit.
Dithiophene‐Fused Oxadiborepins and Azadiborepins: A New Class of Highly Fluorescent Heteroaromatics
(2021)
Access to dithiophene‐fused oxadiborepins and the first azadiborepins attained via a modular synthesis route are presented. The new compounds emit intense blue light, some of which demonstrate fluorescence quantum yields close to unity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed electrochemically reversible one‐electron reduction processes. The weak aromatic character of the novel 1,2,7‐azadiborepin ring is demonstrated with in‐depth theoretical investigations using nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) scans and anisotropy of the induced current density (ACID) calculations.
The 1,3-bis(tricyanoborane)imidazolate anion 1 was obtained in high yield from lithium imidazolate and B(CN)\(_3\)−pyridine adduct. Anion 1 is chemically very robust and thus allowed the isolation of the corresponding H\(_5\)O\(_2\)\(^+\) salt. Furthermore, monoanion 1 served as starting species for the novel dianionic N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), 1,3-bis(tricyanoborane)imidazoline-2-ylidenate anion 3 that acts as ditopic ligand via the carbene center and the cyano groups at boron. First reactions of this new NHC 3 with methyl iodide, elemental selenium, and [Ni(CO)\(_4\)] led to the methylated imidazolate ion 4, the dianionic selenium adduct 5, and the dianionic nickel tricarbonyl complex 6. These NHC derivatives provide a first insight into the electronic and steric properties of the dianionic NHC 3. Especially the combination of properties, such as double negative charge, different coordination sites, large buried volume and good σ-donor and π-acceptor ability, make NHC 3 a unique and promising ligand and building block.
The substitution of selected CC units by their isoelectronic and isosteric BN units in π−conjugated organic compounds (BN/CC isosterism), especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has emerged as a viable strategy to produce novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials with structural similarities to their all-carbon congeners, but in many cases with intriguing properties and functions.
In the first two chapters the synthesis and properties of novel BNB-doped phenalenyls, dithienoazadiborepins and dithienooxadiborepins are presented. The optoelectronic properties of these new building blocks can be effectively tuned by variation of the incorporated Ar (Mes, Tip, FMes) and R groups (H, Me, i-Pr, t-Bu, Ph). Theoretical investigations, including NICS (Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift) scans and AICD (Anisotropy of the Induced Current Density) calculations, have been performed which provide insight into their aromatic or antiaromatic character, respectively.
The incorporation of BP units, on the other hand, which are valence isoelectronic with BN and CC, into unsaturated organic compounds, has been scarcely studied, though the potential of the resulting BCP hybrid materials for electronic applications has been recognized quite recently. Main chain conjugated polymers featuring BP fragments in the backbone are unknown so far. The first molecular model compounds for a BP analogue of the conjugated polymer poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) are presented in chapter 3. Theoretical investigations revealed that the Mes* group to fully planarizes the phosphorus center, increasing the B=P double bond character and enabling conjugation over the BP unit. Different synthetic approaches to the molecular model compounds have been investigated and a viable synthetic strategy was found.
The NHC-stabilised diboryne (B\(_2\)(SIDep)\(_2\); SIDep=1,3-bis(2,6-diethylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) undergoes a high-yielding P−P bond activation with tetraethyldiphosphine at room temperature to form a B\(_2\)P\(_2\) heterocycle via a diphosphoryldiborene by 1,2-diphosphination. The heterocycle can be oxidised to a radical cation and a dication, respectively, depending on the oxidant used and its counterion. Starting from the planar, neutral 1,3-bis(alkylidene)-1,3-diborata-2,4-diphosphoniocyclobutane, each oxidation step leads to decreased B−B distances and loss of planarity by cationisation. X-ray analyses in conjunction with DFT and CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations reveal closed-shell singlet, butterfly-shaped structures for the NHC-stabilised dicationic B\(_2\)P\(_2\) rings, with their diradicaloid, planar-ring isomers lying close in energy.
A 1,8-naphthyridine diphosphine (NDP) reacts with boron-containing Lewis acids to generate complexes featuring a number of different naphthyridine bonding modes. When exposed to diborane B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{4}\), NDP underwent self-deprotonation to afford [NDP-B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{3}\)]Br, an unsymmetrical diborane comprised of four fused rings. The reaction of two equivalents of monoborane BBr\(_{3}\) and NDP in a non-polar solvent provided the simple phosphine-borane adduct [NDP(BBr\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)], which then underwent intramolecular halide abstraction to furnish the salt [NDP-BBr\(_{2}\)][BBr\(_{4}\)], featuring a different coordination mode from that of [NDP-B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{3}\)]Br. Direct deprotonation of NDP by KHMDS or PhCH2K generates mono- and dipotassium reagents, respectively. The monopotassium reagent reacts with one or half an equivalent of B\(_{2}\)(NMe\(_{2}\))\(_{2}\)Cl\(_{2}\) to afford NDP-based diboranes with three or four amino substituents.
Adducts of the parent boraphosphaketene H\(_2\)BPCO and their decarbonylative insertion chemistry
(2021)
The first examples of Lewis base adducts of the parent boraphosphaketene (H\(_2\)B-PCO) and their cyclodimers are prepared. One of these adducts is shown to undergo mild decarbonylation and phosphinidene insertion into a B−C bond of a borole, forming very rare examples of 1,2-phosphaborinines, B/P isosteres of benzene. The strong donor properties of these 1,2-phosphaborinines are confirmed by the synthesis of their π complexes with the Group 6 metals.
This work involves the synthesis and reactivity of pseudohalide-substituted boranes and borylenes. A series of compounds of the type (CAAC)BR2Y (CAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene; R = H, Br; Y = CN, NCS, PCO) were prepared first. The two-electron reduction of (CAAC)BBr2Y (Y = CN, NCS) in the presence of a second Lewis base L (L = N-heterocyclic carbene) resulted in the formation of the corresponding doubly Lewis base-stabilized pseudohaloborylenes (CAAC)(L)BY. These borylenes show versatile reactivity patterns, including their oxidation to the corresponding radical cations, coordination via the respective pseudohalide substituent to group 6 metal carbonyl complexes, as well as a boron-centered protonation with Brønsted acids to boronium cations. Reduction of (CAAC)BBr2(NCS) in the absence of a second donor ligand, led to the formation of boron-doped thiazolothiazoles via reductive dimerization of two isothiocyanatoborylenes. These B,N,S-heterocycles possess a low degree of aromaticity as well as interesting photophysical properties and can furthermore be protonated as well as hydroborated. Additionally, CAAC adducts of the parent boraphosphaketene (CAAC)BH2(PCO) could be prepared, which readily reacted with boroles [Ph4BR'] (R' = aryl) via decarbonylation in a ring expansion reaction. The obtained 1,2-phosphaborinines represent B,P-isosteres of benzene and consequently could be coordinated to metal carbonyl complexes of the chromium triade via η6-coordination, resulting in new half-sandwich complexes thereof.
Herein we devise and execute a new synthesis of a pristine boron-doped nanographene. Our target boron-doped nanographene was designed based on DFT calculations to possess a low LUMO energy level and a narrow band gap derived from its precise geometry and B-doping arrangement. Our synthesis of this target, a doubly B-doped hexabenzopentacene (B\(_{2}\)-HBP), employs six net C−H borylations of an alkene, comprising consecutive hydroboration/electrophilic borylation/dehydrogenation and BBr\(_{3}\)/AlCl\(_{3}\)/2,6-dichloropyridine-mediated C−H borylation steps. As predicted by our calculations, B\(_{2}\)-HBP absorbs strongly in the visible region and emits in the NIR up to 1150 nm in o-dichlorobenzene solutions. Furthermore, B\(_{2}\)-HBP possesses a very low LUMO level, showing two reversible reductions at −1.00 V and −1.17 V vs. Fc\(^{+}\)/Fc. Our methodology is surprisingly selective despite its implementation of unfunctionalized precursors and offers a new approach to the synthesis of pristine B-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A practical and direct method was developed for the production of versatile alkyl boronate esters via transition metal-free borylation of primary and secondary alkyl sulfones. The key to the success of the strategy is the use of bis(neopentyl glycolato) diboron (B\(_{2}\)neop\(_{2}\)), with a stoichiometric amount of base as a promoter. The practicality and industrial potential of this protocol are highlighted by its wide functional group tolerance, the late-stage modification of complex compounds, no need for further transesterification, and operational simplicity. Radical clock, radical trap experiments, and EPR studies were conducted which show that the borylation process involves radical intermediates.
A modular synthesis of both difurooxa‐ and difuroazadiborepins from a common precursor is demonstrated. Starting from 2,2′‐bifuran, after protection of the positions 5 and 5’ with bulky silyl groups, formation of the novel polycycles proceeds through opening of the furan rings to a dialkyne and subsequent re‐cyclization in the borylation step. The resulting bifuran‐fused diborepins show pronounced stability, highly planar tricyclic structures, and intense blue light emission. Deprotection and transformation into dibrominated building blocks that can be incorporated into π‐extended materials can be performed in one step. Detailed DFT calculations provide information about the aromaticity of the constituent rings of this polycycle.
A series of unprecedently air-stable (tricyanoboryl)plumbate anions was obtained by the reaction of the boron-centered nucleophile B(CN)\(_{3}\)\(^{2-}\) with triorganyllead halides. Salts of the anions [R\(_{3}\)PbB(CN)\(_{3}\)]\(^{-}\) (R=Ph, Et) were isolated and found to be stable in air at room temperature. In the case of Me\(_{3}\)PbHal (Hal=Cl, Br), a mixture of the anions [Me\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=1, 2) was obtained. The [Et\(_{3}\)PbB(CN)\(_{3}\)]− ion undergoes stepwise dismutation in aqueous solution to yield the plumbate anions [Et4\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=1–4) and PbEt\(_{4}\) as by-product. The reaction rate increases with decreasing pH value of the aqueous solution or by bubbling O\(_{2}\) through the reaction mixture. Adjustment of the conditions allowed the selective formation and isolation of salts of all anions of the series [Et\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=2–4) including the homoleptic tetraanion [Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{4}\)]\(^{4-}\).
The 1‐methyl‐3‐(tricyanoborane)imidazolin‐2‐ylidenate anion (2) was obtained in high yield by deprotonation of the B(CN)3‐methylimidazole adduct 1. Regarding charge and stereo‐electronic properties, anion 2 closes the gap between well‐known neutral NHCs and the ditopic dianionic NHC, the 1,3‐bis(tricyanoborane)imidazolin‐2‐ylidenate dianion (IIb). The influence of the number of N‐bonded tricyanoborane moieties on the σ‐donating and π‐accepting properties of NHCs was assessed by quantum chemical calculations and verified by experimental data on 2, IIb, and 1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (IMe, IIa). Therefore NHC 2, which acts as a ditopic ligand via the carbene center and the cyano groups, was reacted with alkyl iodides, selenium, and [Ni(CO)\(_{4}\)] yielding alkylated imidazoles 3 and 4, the anionic selenium adduct 5, and the anionic nickel tricarbonyl complex 8, respectively. The results of this study prove that charge, number of coordination sites, buried volume (%V\(_{bur}\)) and σ‐donor and π‐acceptor abilities of NHCs can be effectively fine‐tuned via the number of tricyanoborane substituents.