Evidence for extensive single-electron-transfer chemistry in boryl anions: isolation and reactivity of a neutral borole radical

Redox- and Charge-State Dependent Trends in 5, 6, and 7-Membered Boron Heterocycles: A Neutral Ligand Coordination Chemistry Approach to Boracyclic Cations, Anions, and Radicals

ConspectusBoron heterocycles represent an important subset of heteroatom-incorporated rings, attracting attention from organic, inorganic, and materials chemists. The empty pz orbital at the boron center makes them stand out as quintessential Lewis acidic molecules, also serving as a means to modulate electronic structure and photophysical properties in a facile manner. As boracycles are ripe for extensive functionalization, they are used in catalysis, chemical biology, materials science, and continue to be explored as chemical synthons for conjugated materials and reagents. Neutral boron(III)-incorporated polycyclic molecules are some of the most studied types of boracycles, and understanding their redox transformations is important for applications relying on electron transfer and charge transport. While relevant redox species can often be electrochemically observed, it remains challenging to isolate and characterize boracycles where the boron center and/or polycyclic skeleton have been chemically reduced.We describe our recent work isolating 5-, 6-, and 7-membered boracyclic radicals, anions, and cations, focusing on stabilization strategies, ligand-mediated bonding situations, and reactivity. We present a versatile neutral ligand coordination chemistry approach that permits the transformation of boracycles from potent electrophiles to powerful nucleophilic heterocycles that facilitate diverse electron transfer and bond activation chemistry. Although there are a wide range of suitable stabilizing ligands, we have employed both diamino-N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbenes (CAACs), which led to boracycles with tunable electronic structures and aromaticity trends. We highlight successful isolation of borafluorene radicals and demonstrate their reversible redox behavior, undergoing oxidation to the cation or reduction to the anion. The borafluorene anion is a chemical synthon that has been used to prepare boryl main-group and transition-metal bonds, luminescent oxabora-spirocycles, borafluorenate-crown ethers, and CO-releasing molecules via carbon dioxide activation. We expanded to 6-membered boracycles and characterized neutral bis(NHC-supported 9-boraphenanthrene)s and the corresponding bis(CAAC-stabilized 9-boraphenanthrene) biradical. We detail the interconvertible multiredox states of boraphenalene, where the boraphenalenyl radical, anion, and cation mimic the charge-states of the all-hydrocarbon analogue. Reactivity studies of the boraphenalenyl anion displayed unusual nucleophilic reactivity at multiple sites on the periphery of the boraphenalenyl tricyclic scaffold. Reduced borepins, 7-membered boron containing heterocycles, have also been isolated. We used a stepwise one-pot synthesis combining the halo-borepin precursor, CAAC, and KC8 to afford the monomeric borepin radicals and anions. The π-system was extended to contain two borepin rings fused in a pentacyclic scaffold, which permitted isolation of diborepin biradicals and a diborepin containing a dibora-quinone core.Our goal is to provide a guide explaining the current structure-function trends and isolation strategies for redox-active boron-incorporated polycyclic molecules to initiate the rational design and use of these types of compounds across a vast chemical space.

Screening seven-electron boron-centered radicals for dinitrogen activation

The activation of dinitrogen is significant as nitrogen-containing compounds play an important role in industries. However, the inert NN triple bond caused by its large HOMO-LUMO gap (10.8 eV) and high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1 ) renders its activation under mild conditions particularly challenging. Recent progress shows that a few main group species can mimic transition metal complexes to activate dinitrogen. Here, we demonstrate that a series of seven-electron (7e) boron-centered radical can be used to activate N2 via density functional theory calculations. It is found that boron-centered radicals containing amine ligand perform best on the thermodynamics of dinitrogen activation. In addition, when electron-donating groups are introduced at the boron atom, these radicals can be used to activate N2 with low reaction barriers. Further analysis suggests that the electron transfer from the boron atom to the π* orbitals of dinitrogen is essential for its activation. Our findings suggest great potential of 7e boron radicals in the field of dinitrogen activation.

Unveiling Three Interconvertible Redox States of Boraphenalene

Neutral 1-boraphenalene displays the isoelectronic structure of the phenalenyl carbocation and is expected to behave as an attractive organoboron multi-redox system. However, the isolation of new redox states have remained elusive even though the preparation of neutral boron(III)-containing phenalene compounds have been extensively studied. Herein, we have adopted an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand stabilization approach to achieve the first isolation of the stable and ambipolar 1-boraphenalenyl radical 1•. The 1-boraphenalenyl cation 1+ and anion 1- have also been electrochemically observed and chemically isolated, representing new redox forms of boraphenalene for the study of non-Kekulé polynuclear benzenoid molecules. Experimental and theoretical investigations suggest that the interconvertible three-redox-state species undergo reversible electronic structure modifications, which primarily take place on the polycyclic framework of the molecules, exhibiting atypical behavior compared to known donor-stabilized organoboron compounds. Initial reactivity studies, aromaticity evaluations, and photophysical studies show redox-state-dependent trends. While 1+ is luminescent in both the solution and solid states, 1• exhibits boron-centered reactivity and 1- undergoes substitution chemistry on the boraphenalenyl skeleton and serves as a single-electron transfer reductant.

Chalcogen-substituted carbenes: a density functional study of structure, stability, and donor ability

Chalcogen-substituted carbenes are examined computationally using density functional theory. Several approaches are used to assess the stability and reactivity of chalcogenazol-2-ylidene carbenes (NEHCs; E = O, S, Se, Te). The known unsaturated species 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene is studied at the same level of theory as the NEHC molecules, as a reference. Electronic structures, stability towards dimerization, and ligand properties are discussed. The results highlight the NEHCs as potentially valuable ancillary ligands for stabilizing low-valent metals or paramagnetic main group molecules. A simple, effective computational method for evaluating σ donor ability and π acidity of carbenes is presented.

Neutral Boryl Radicals in Mixed-Valent B(III) Br-B(II) Adducts

The general strategies to stabilize a boryl radical involve single electron delocalization by π-system and the steric hinderance from bulky groups. Herein, a new class of boryl radicals is reported, with intramolecular mixed-valent B^(III) Br-B^(II) adducts ligated by a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC). The radicals feature a large spin density on the boron center, which is ascertained by EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Structural and computational analyses revealed that the stability of radical species was assisted by the CAAC ligand and a weak but significant B(III)Br-B(II) interaction, suggesting a cooperative avenue for stabilization of boryl radicals. Two-electron reduction of these new boryl radicals provides C-H insertion products via a borylene intermediate.

Systematic Electronic and Structural Studies of 9-Carbene-9-Borafluorene Monoanions and Transformations into Luminescent Boron Spirocycles

The impact of the exact spatial arrangement of the alkali metal on the electronic properties of 9-carbene-9-borafluorene monoanions is assessed, and a series of [K][9-CAAC-9-borafluorene] complexes (1-4) have been isolated (CAAC = cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene, (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-diethyl-2,2-dimethyl-pyrrolidin-5-ylidene). Compound 1, which contains [B]-K(THF)₃ interactions, is compared to charge-separated 2-4, which were prepared by capturing the potassium cations with 18-crown-6, 2.2.2-cryptand, or 1,10-phenanthroline. Notably, the ¹¹B NMR spectra of charge-separated borafluorene monoanions 2-4 show distinct low-field signatures compared to 1. Theoretical calculations indicate that charge separation may be exploited to influence the nucleophilic and electron transfer properties of 9-carbene-9-borafluorene monoanions. When [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][9-CAAC-9-borafluorene] (3) is reacted with 9,10-phenanthrenequinone and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, the carbene ligand is displaced, and new air-stable R₂BO₂ spirocycles are formed (5 and 6, respectively). Remarkably, compounds 5 and 6 display fluorescence under UV light in both the solid and solution phases with quantum yields of up to 20%. In addition, a drastic red-shift in the emission color is observed in 6 because of the presence of the nitrogen atoms on the phenanthroline moiety. Mechanistic insights into the formation of these spirocycles are also described based on density functional theory calculations.

Activation of Carbon Dioxide by 9-Carbene-9-borafluorene Monoanion: Carbon Monoxide Releasing Transformation of Trioxaborinanone to Luminescent Dioxaborinanone

The first structurally characterized example of a trioxaborinanone (2) is produced by the reaction of a 9-carbene-9-borafluorene monoanion and carbon dioxide. When compound 2 is heated or irradiated with UV light, carbon monoxide (CO) is released, and a luminescent dioxaborinanone (3) is formed. Notably, carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) are of interest for their ability to deliver a specific amount of CO. Due to the turn-on fluorescence observed as a result of the conversion to 3, CORM 2 serves as a means to optically observe CO loss "by eye" under thermal or photochemical conditions.

Dismutation of Tricyanoboryllead Compounds: The Homoleptic Tetrakis(tricyanoboryl)plumbate Tetraanion

A series of unprecedently air‐stable (tricyanoboryl)plumbate anions was obtained by the reaction of the boron‐centered nucleophile B(CN)₃²⁻ with triorganyllead halides. Salts of the anions [R₃PbB(CN)₃]⁻ (R=Ph, Et) were isolated and found to be stable in air at room temperature. In the case of Me₃PbHal (Hal=Cl, Br), a mixture of the anions [Me_4−nPb{B(CN)₃}_n]ⁿ⁻ (n=1, 2) was obtained. The [Et₃PbB(CN)₃]⁻ ion undergoes stepwise dismutation in aqueous solution to yield the plumbate anions [Et_4−nPb{B(CN)₃}_n]ⁿ⁻ (n=1–4) and PbEt₄ as by‐product. The reaction rate increases with decreasing pH value of the aqueous solution or by bubbling O₂ through the reaction mixture. Adjustment of the conditions allowed the selective formation and isolation of salts of all anions of the series [Et_4−nPb{B(CN)₃}_n]ⁿ⁻ (n=2–4) including the homoleptic tetraanion [Pb{B(CN)₃}₄]⁴⁻.

Isolation of Stable Borepin Radicals and Anions

Borepin, a 7‐membered boron‐containing heterocycle, has become an emerging molecular platform for the development of new materials and optoelectronics. While electron‐deficient borepins are well‐established, reduced electron‐rich species have remained elusive. Herein we report the first isolable, crystalline borepin radical (2 a, 2 b) and anion (3 a, 3 b) complexes, which have been synthesized by potassium graphite (KC₈) reduction of cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene‐dibenzo[b,d]borepin precursors. Borepin radicals and anions have been characterized by EPR or NMR, elemental analysis, X‐ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the bonding features have been investigated computationally using density functional theory.

Predicting Dinitrogen Activation by Five-Electron Boron-Centered Radicals

Due to the high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol^-1) and the large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap (10.8 eV), dinitrogen activation under mild conditions is extremely challenging. On the other hand, the conventional Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis under harsh conditions consumes more than 1% of the world's annual energy supply. Thus, it is important and urgent to develop an alternative approach for dinitrogen activation under mild conditions. In comparison with transition metals, main group compounds are less explored for nitrogen activation. Here, we carry out density functional theory calculation to screen boron radicals for dinitrogen activation. As a result, the experimentally available seven-electron boron-centered radicals are found to be inactive to N₂ activation, whereas some five-electron boron-centered radicals become favorable for dinitrogen activation, inviting experimental chemists' examination. The principal interacting spin-orbital analyses suggest that a five-electron boron-centered radical can mimic a transition metal on a synergic interaction with dinitrogen in the transition states.

Spectroscopic Characterization of Two Boron Heterocyclic Radicals in the Solid Neon Matrix

Two novel boron heterocyclic radicals, 3,4,5-trihydroborinine radical and 1-methyl-2-dihydro-1H-borole radical, were observed in the reaction of boron atom with cyclopentene. These radicals were trapped in solid neon and identified by...

High yield of a variety of silicon-boron radicals and their reactivity

Herein we report stable silicon-boron radicals of composition LSi(NMe2)-B(Br)Tip (1), LSi(NMe2)-B(I)Tip (2) LSi(tBu)-B(I)Tip (3) [L=PhC(NtBu)2]. They were prepared in high yield using a one-pot reaction of LSiR, X2BTip, and KC8...

Borole-based half-sandwich complexes of germanium and tin

The synthesis and initial observations regarding the reactivity of borole-based half-sandwich complexes with apical divalent group 14 elements germanium and tin are described. The 2,5-disilylborole substitution pattern allows their access via salt metathesis of the respective borole dianions.

Reactions of 9-Carbene-9-Borafluorene Monoanion and Selenium: Synthesis of Boryl-Substituted Selenides and Diselenides

Reactions of 9-carbene-9-borafluorene monoanion (1) with elemental selenium and selenium-containing reagents are reported. When compound 1 is reacted with grey selenium in THF, various boryl-substituted selenides and diselenides are produced (2-6), including molecules resulting from migration of the carbene ligand Dipp group (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl). However, when a similar reaction between 1 and grey selenium is performed in toluene in the presence of 18-crown-6, boryl-substituted selenide 7 is obtained as the sole boron-containing product. As compound 7 is the monomeric variant of organoselenide 3, 18-crown-6 promotes both product selectivity and solubility in a nonpolar solvent. Diselenide 5, which features a trans-bent B-Se-Se-B core, was directly isolated via reaction of 1 with Se₂Cl₂ in THF. Computational modeling suggests that the formation of 5 proceeds via a radical mechanism. This was supported by an experiment demonstrating that the CAAC-borafluorene radical also reacts with SeCl₂ to yield 5 [CAAC = (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-diethyl-2,2-dimethyl-pyrrolidin-5-ylidene]. Energy decomposition analysis of 5 indicates a covalent borafluorene-diselenide bond (ΔE_int, -168.9 kcal mol^-1). All of the new compounds were fully characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹B, and ⁷⁷Se).

A Boratafulvene

Structurally authenticated free B-alkyl boroles are presented and electronic implications of alkyl substitution were assessed. Deprotonation of a boron-bound exocyclic methyl group in a B-methyl borole yields the first 5-boratafulvene anion-an isomer to boratabenzene. Boratafulvene was structurally characterized and its electronic structure probed by DFT calculations. The pKa value of the exocyclic B-CH3 in a set of boroles was computationally approximated and confirmed a pronounced acidic character caused by the boron atom embedded in an anti-aromatic moiety. The non-aromatic boratafulvene reacts as a C-centered nucleophile with the mild electrophile Me3 SnCl to give a stannylmethyl borole, regenerating the anti-aromaticity. As nucleophilic synthons for boroles, boratafulvenes thus open an entirely new avenue for synthetic strategies toward this highly reactive class of heterocycles. Boratafulvene reacts as a methylene transfer reagent in a bora-Wittig-type reaction generating a borole oxide.

Advances in chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene boryl radicals

Boron-centred radicals (boryl radicals) are potential and attractive species in main group chemistry and synthetic chemistry. Recently, the development of boron compounds ligated by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) has sparked off advavnces in boryl radical chemistry because NHCs can highly stabilise boryl radicals by electronic and steric factors. This review highlights recent synthesis and reactions of such NHC-boryl radicals. From the standpoint of main group chemistry, examples of isolation or detection of unique NHC-boryl radicals are presented. From the standpoint of synthetic chemistry, on the other hand, the development of reactions of user-friendly NHC-boryl radicals, which has contributed to radical chemistry, organoboron chemistry and polymer science, is comprehensively described.

Stabilization of the Elusive 9-Carbene-9-Borafluorene Monoanion

Two-electron reduction of carbene-supported 9-bromo-9-borafluorenes with excess KC₈ , Na, or Li-naphthalenide affords six N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)- or cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC)-stabilized borafluorene anions (3-8)-the first isolated and structurally authenticated examples of the elusive 9-carbene-9-borafluorene monoanion. The electronic structure, bonding, and aromaticity of the boracyclic anions were comprehensively investigated via computational studies. Compounds 5 and 8 react with metal halides via salt elimination to give new B-E (E=Au, Se, Ge)-containing materials (9-12). Upon reaction with diketones, the carbene ligand cleanly dissociates from 5 or 8 to yield new B-O containing spirocycles (13-14) that cannot be easily obtained using "normal" valent borafluorene compounds. Collectively, these results support the notion that carbene-stabilized monoanionic borafluorenes may serve as a new platform for the one-step construction of higher-value boracyclic materials.

Directed Design of a AuI Complex with a Reduced Mesoionic Carbene Radical Ligand: Insights from 1,2,3-Triazolylidene Selenium Adducts and Extensive Electrochemical Investigations

Carbene-based radicals are important for both fundamental and applied chemical research. Herein, extensive electrochemical investigations of nine different 1,2,3-triazolylidene selenium adducts are reported. It is found that the half-wave potentials of the first reduction of the selones correlate with their calculated LUMO levels and the LUMO levels of the corresponding triazolylidene-based mesoionic carbenes (MICs). Furthermore, unexpected quasi-reversibility of the reduction of two triazoline selones, exhibiting comparable reduction potentials, was discovered. Through UV/Vis/NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemical investigations supported by DFT calculations, the radical anion was unambiguously assigned to be triazoline centered. This electrochemical behavior was transferred to a triazolylidene-type MIC-gold phenyl complex resulting in a MIC-radical coordinated AuI species. Apart from UV-Vis-NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemical investigations of the reduction, the reduced gold-coordinated MIC radical complex was also formed in situ in the bulk through chemical reduction. This is the first report of a monodentate triazolylidene-based MIC ligand that can be reduced to its anion radical in a metal complex. The results presented here provide design principles for stabilizing radicals based on MICs.

A Cationic NHC-Supported Borole

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a highly reactive cationic borole. Halide abstraction with Li{Al[OC(CF3 )3 ]4 } from the NHC-chloroborole adduct yields the first stable NHC-supported 1-(Me NHC)-2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-(Ph*)2 -borole cation. Electronically, it features both a five-membered cyclic conjugated 4 π-electron system and a cationic charge and thus resembles the yet elusive cyclopentadienyl cation. The borole cation was characterized crystallographically, spectroscopically (NMR, UV/Vis), by cyclovoltammetry, microanalysis and mass-spectrometry and its electronic structure was probed computationally. The cation reacts with tolane and reversibly binds carbon monoxide. Direct comparison with the structurally related, yet neutral, 1-mesityl borole reveals strong Lewis acidity, reduced HOMO-LUMO gaps, and increased anti-aromatic character.

Boron-Mediated Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage and Rearrangement of Benzene Forming the Borepinyl Radical and Borole Derivatives

The reaction of atomic boron with benzene in solid neon has been investigated by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy with isotopic substitutions as well as quantum chemical calculations. The reaction is initiated by boron atom addition to benzene in forming an η²-(1, 4) π adduct (A). A borepinyl radical (B) formed by C-C bond insertion is also observed on annealing. The η²-(1,4) π adduct photoisomerizes to an unprecedented borole substituted vinyl radical intermediate (C) via ring-opening and rearrangement reactions involving an antiaromatic borole subunit. A previously unconsidered 1-ethynyl-2-dihydro-1H-borole radical (D) is generated as the final product under UV light irradiation. The results presented herein give new insight into the benzene carbon-carbon bond cleavage and rearrangement reactions mediated by a nonmetal and provide a possible route for the construction of heterocyclic borepinyl and borole species via benzene ring opening and rearrangement reactions.

Stable Radical Cation and Dication of an N-Heterocyclic Carbene Stabilized Digallene: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity

One- and two-electron oxidation of a digallene stabilized by an N-heterocyclic carbene afforded the first stable gallium-based radical cation and dication salts, respectively. Structural analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the oxidation occurs at the Ga=Ga double bond, leading to removal of π electrons of the double bond and a decrease of the bond order. The spin density of the radical cation mainly locates at the two gallium centers as demonstrated by EPR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Moreover, the reactivity of the radical cation salt toward nBu₃ SnH and cyclo-S₈ was studied; a digallium-hydride cation salt containing a Ga-Ga single bond and a gallium sulfide cluster bearing an unprecedented ladder-like Ga₄ S₄ core structure were obtained, respectively.

The 9H-9-Borafluorene Dianion: A Surrogate for Elusive Diarylboryl Anion Nucleophiles

Double reduction of the THF adduct of 9H-9-borafluorene (1⋅THF) with excess alkali metal affords the dianion salts M2 [1] in essentially quantitative yields (M=Li-K). Even though the added charge is stabilized through π delocalization, [1]2- acts as a formal boron nucleophile toward organoboron (1⋅THF) and tetrel halide electrophiles (MeCl, Et3 SiCl, Me3 SnCl) to form B-B/C/Si/Sn bonds. The substrate dependence of open-shell versus closed-shell pathways has been investigated.

Persistent Borafluorene Radicals

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐ and cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)‐stabilized borafluorene radicals have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis absorption, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and theoretical studies. Both the CAAC–borafluorene radical (2) and the NHC–borafluorene radical (4) have a considerable amount of spin density localized on the boron atoms (0.322 for 2 and 0.369 for 4). In compound 2, the unpaired electron is also partly delocalized over the CAAC ligand ^carbeneC and N atoms. However, the unpaired electron in compound 4 mainly resides throughout the borafluorene π‐system, with significantly less delocalization over the NHC ligand. These results highlight the Lewis base dependent electrostructural tuning of materials‐relevant radicals. Notably, this is the first report of crystalline borafluorene radicals, and these species exhibit remarkable solid‐state and solution stability.

Thiolation of NHC-boranes: influence of the substitution at boron

Several N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)-boryl sulfides with B-substituents were prepared. The added steric hindrance leads to much improved selectivities as only the NHC-boryl mono-sulfides were obtained. The B-substituted NHC-boranes are also conducive to more selective S to N NHC-boryl shift, provided that the NHC used is not too sterically demanding.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Adducts of Main Group Elements and Their Use as Ligands in Transition Metal Chemistry

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are nowadays ubiquitous and indispensable in many research fields, and it is not possible to imagine modern transition metal and main group element chemistry without the plethora of available NHCs with tailor-made electronic and steric properties. While their suitability to act as strong ligands toward transition metals has led to numerous applications of NHC complexes in homogeneous catalysis, their strong σ-donating and adaptable π-accepting abilities have also contributed to an impressive vitalization of main group chemistry with the isolation and characterization of NHC adducts of almost any element. Formally, NHC coordination to Lewis acids affords a transfer of nucleophilicity from the carbene carbon atom to the attached exocyclic moiety, and low-valent and low-coordinate adducts of the p-block elements with available lone pairs and/or polarized carbon-element π-bonds are able to act themselves as Lewis basic donor ligands toward transition metals. Accordingly, the availability of a large number of novel NHC adducts has not only produced new varieties of already existing ligand classes but has also allowed establishment of numerous complexes with unusual and often unprecedented element-metal bonds. This review aims at summarizing this development comprehensively and covers the usage of N-heterocyclic carbene adducts of the p-block elements as ligands in transition metal chemistry.

Stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (cAAC) radicals with main group substituents

Recent attempts to isolate cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene stabilized radicals of p-block elements have been described here.

Isolation and characterization of stable radicals has been a long-pursued quest. While there has been some progress in this field particularly with respect to carbon, radicals involving heavier p-block elements are still considerably sparse. In this review we describe our recent successful efforts on the isolation of stable p-block element radicals particularly those involving aluminum, silicon, and phosphorus.

Facile Synthesis of a Stable Dihydroboryl {BH2 }- Anion

While the one-electron reduction of (CAAC^Me )BH₂ Br (CAAC^Me =1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene) yields a hydride-shift isomer of the corresponding tetrahydrodiborane, a further reversible reduction leads to the first stable parent boryl anion, [(CAAC^Me )BH₂ ]^- , which acts as a powerful boron nucleophile.

Destabilizing Character of a π-Conjugated Boron Center in Bisphenol Radicals

Although boron-containing radicals are promising materials for molecular electronic devices, the electronic effect of the σ-donating yet π-accepting boron center on the stability of open-shell species has been less discussed. In this work, the role of a tricoordinate boron center in π-conjugated radicals was explored through electron paramagnetic resonance measurement of several boron-linked bisphenol radicals and diradicals. Replacing the bridging methine fragment of a neutral Galvinoxyl radical with an arylboryl group led to the corresponding boron-linked radical anion that requires excessive steric protection at the boron center to be persistent in solution. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed that the introduction of boron would diminish the quinoidal character of the phenoxyl radical and increase both the electrophilicity and nucleophilicity of the open-shell species. Therefore, it is important to consider the steric protection of the boron center in boron-containing π-conjugated organic radicals.

Selective one- and two-electron reductions of a haloborane enabled by a π-withdrawing carbene ligand

A carbene-stabilised neutral boryl radical and a boryl anion are isolated via selective one- and two-electron reduction of a diamidocarbene (DAC) adduct of dibromo(pentafluorophenyl)borane. Both the radical and the anion have been characterised by various spectroscopic techniques in solution, while the structures have been ascertained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In contrast, the reduction of the analogous cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) adduct yields a C-H activation product.

Difluorination at Boron Leads to the First Electrophilic Ligated Boryl Radical (NHC-BF2. )

1,3-Dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene difluoroborane (NHC-BF₂ H) was prepared in a one-pot, two-step reaction from the parent ligated borane (NHC-BH₃ ). The derived difluoroboryl radical (NHC-BF₂^. ) was generated by laser flash photolysis experiments and characterized by UV spectroscopy and rate-constant measurements. It is transient and reacts quickly with O₂ . Unusually, it also reacts more rapidly with ethyl vinyl ether than with methyl acrylate. By this measure, it is the first electrophilic ligated boryl radical. Both NHC-BH₃ and NHC-BF₂ H serve as co-initiators in bulk photopolymerizations, converting both electron-poor and electron-rich monomers at roughly similar rates. However, the difluorinated coinitiator provides polymers with dramatically increased chain lengths from both monomers.

NHCs in Main Group Chemistry

Since the discovery of the first stable N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) in the beginning of the 1990s, these divalent carbon species have become a common and available class of compounds, which have found numerous applications in academic and industrial research. Their important role as two-electron donor ligands, especially in transition metal chemistry and catalysis, is difficult to overestimate. In the past decade, there has been tremendous research attention given to the chemistry of low-coordinate main group element compounds. Significant progress has been achieved in stabilization and isolation of such species as Lewis acid/base adducts with highly tunable NHC ligands. This has allowed investigation of numerous novel types of compounds with unique electronic structures and opened new opportunities in the rational design of novel organic catalysts and materials. This Review gives a general overview of this research, basic synthetic approaches, key features of NHC-main group element adducts, and might be useful for the broad research community.