Methylsulfanyl-Stabilized Rotamers of Cobalt Bis(dicarbollide)

Bis(Dicarbollide) Complexes of Transition Metals: How Substituents in Dicarbollide Ligands Affect the Geometry and Properties of the Complexes

The interaction between different types of substituents in dicarbollide ligands and their influence on the stabilization of various rotational conformers (rotamers) of transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes [3,3'-M(1,2-C2B9H11)2]- are considered. It has been shown that the formation of intramolecular CH···X hydrogen bonds between dicarbollide ligands is determined by the size of the proton acceptor atom X rather than its electronegativity. Due to the stabilization of rotamers with different dipole moments, intramolecular hydrogen bonds between ligands in transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes can have a significant impact on the biological properties of their derivatives. In the presence of external complexing metals, weak intramolecular CH···X hydrogen bonds can be broken to form stronger X->M donor-acceptor bonds. This process is accompanied by the mutual rotation of dicarbollide ligands and can be used in sensors and molecular switches based on transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes.

Chemistry of Carbon-Substituted Derivatives of Cobalt Bis(dicarbollide)(1-) Ion and Recent Progress in Boron Substitution

The cobalt bis(dicarbollide)(1-) anion (1-), [(1,2-C2B9H11)2-3,3'-Co(III)](1-), plays an increasingly important role in material science and medicine due to its high chemical stability, 3D shape, aromaticity, diamagnetic character, ability to penetrate cells, and low cytotoxicity. A key factor enabling the incorporation of this ion into larger organic molecules, biomolecules, and materials, as well as its capacity for "tuning" interactions with therapeutic targets, is the availability of synthetic routes that enable easy modifications with a wide selection of functional groups. Regarding the modification of the dicarbollide cage, syntheses leading to substitutions on boron atoms are better established. These methods primarily involve ring cleavage of the ether rings in species containing an oxonium oxygen atom connected to the B(8) site. These pathways are accessible with a broad range of nucleophiles. In contrast, the chemistry on carbon vertices has remained less elaborated over the previous decades due to a lack of reliable methods that permit direct and straightforward cage modifications. In this review, we present a survey of methods based on metalation reactions on the acidic C-H vertices, followed by reactions with electrophiles, which have gained importance in only the last decade. These methods now represent the primary trends in the modifications of cage carbon atoms. We discuss the scope of currently available approaches, along with the stereochemistry of reactions, chirality of some products, available types of functional groups, and their applications in designing unconventional drugs. This content is complemented with a report of the progress in physicochemical and biological studies on the parent cobalt bis(dicarbollide) ion and also includes an overview of recent syntheses and emerging applications of boron-substituted compounds.

A Simple Way to Obtain a Decachloro Derivative of Cobalt Bis(dicarbollide)

A simple synthetic way to obtain a decachloro derivative of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) has been found. The reaction of cesium salt of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion with aluminum chloride in chloroform under reflux conditions results in Cs[3,3′-Co(4,7,8,9,12-Cl5-1,2-C2B9H6)2] of high purity and good yield.

Synthesis of 3-Aryl-ortho-carboranes with Sensitive Functional Groups

A simple and efficient method was developed for the one-pot synthesis of 3-aryl derivatives of ortho-carborane with sensitive functional groups using 3-iodo-ortho-carborane and aryl zinc bromides that were generated in situ. A series of 3-aryl-ortho-carboranes, including those containing nitrile and ester groups, 3-RC₆H₄-1,2-C₂B₁₀H₁₁ (R = p-Me, p-NMe₂, p-OCH₂OMe, p-OMe, o-CN, p-CN, o-COOEt, m-COOEt, p-COOEt) was synthesized using this approach. The solid-state structures of 3-RC₆H₄-1,2-C₂B₁₀H₁₁ (R = p-OMe, o-CN, and p-CN) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The intramolecular hydrogen bonding involving the ortho-substituents of the aryl ring and the CH and BH groups of carborane was discussed.

Synthesis of Boronated Amidines by Addition of Amines to Nitrilium Derivative of Cobalt Bis(Dicarbollide)

A series of novel cobalt bis(dicarbollide) based amidines were synthesized by the nucleophilic addition of primary and secondary amines to highly activated B-N+≡C-R triple bond of the propionitrilium derivative [8-EtC≡N-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)]. The reactions with primary amines result in the formation of mixtures of E and Z isomers of amidines, whereas the reactions with secondary amines lead selectively to the E-isomers. The crystal molecular structures of E-[8-EtC(NMe2)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)], E-[8-EtC(NEt2)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2- C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)] and E-[8-EtC(NC5H10)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Crystal Structure of 9-Dibenzylsulfide-7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborane 9-Bn2S-7,8-C2B9H11

The crystal structure of 9-dibenzylsulfide-7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborane 9-Bn2S-7,8-C2B9H11 was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction. One of the benzyl groups is located above the open face of the carborane cage with a short H···H distance (2.29 and 2.71 Å for two symmetrically independent molecules) between the BHB-bridging hydrogen atom of the carborane fragment and the ortho-CH group of the aromatic ring. Topological analysis has revealed the existence of a critical bond point with a calculated energy of −0.8 kcal/mol in accordance with an X-ray diffraction molecular geometry. The crystal packing analysis revealed that this benzyl group is also involved in π-stacking interactions, while another benzyl group participates in numerous weak H···π, H···H and van der Waals interactions.

Synthesis of Bis(Carboranyl)amides 1,1'-μ-(CH2NH(O)C(CH2)n-1,2-C2B10H11)2 (n = 0, 1) and Attempt of Synthesis of Gadolinium Bis(Dicarbollide)

Bis(carboranyl)amides 1,1'-μ-(CH2NH(O)C(CH2)n-1,2-C2B10H11)2 (n = 0, 1) were prepared by the reactions of the corresponding carboranyl acyl chlorides with ethylenediamine. Crystal molecular structure of 1,1'-μ-(CH2NH(O)C-1,2-C2B10H11)2 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Treatment of bis(carboranyl)amides 1,1'-μ-(CH2NH(O)C(CH2)n-1,2-C2B10H11)2 with ammonium or cesium fluoride results in partial deboronation of the ortho-carborane cages to the nido-carborane ones with formation of [7,7'(8')-μ-(CH2NH(O)C(CH2)n-7,8-C2B9H11)2]2-. The attempted reaction of [7,7'(8')-μ-(CH2NH(O)CCH2-7,8-C2B9H11)2]2- with GdCl3 in 1,2-dimethoxy- ethane did not give the expected metallacarborane. The stability of different conformations of Gd-containing metallacarboranes has been estimated by quantum-chemical calculations using [3,3-μ-DME-3,3'-Gd(1,2-C2B9H11)2]- as a model. It was found that in the most stable conformation the CH groups of the dicarbollide ligands are in anti,anti-orientation with respect to the DME ligand, while any rotation of the dicarbollide ligand reduces the stability of the system. This makes it possible to rationalize the design of carborane ligands for the synthesis of gadolinium metallacarboranes on their base.

The unexpected reactivity of 9-iodo-nido-carborane: from nucleophilic substitution reactions to the synthesis of tricobalt tris(dicarbollide) Na[4,4',4''-(MeOCH2CH2O)3-3,3',3''-Co3(μ3-O)(μ3-S)(1,2-C2B9H10)3]

An unusual reactivity of 9-iodo-nido-carborane [9-I-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]^- towards nucleophiles under strong basic conditions was revealed. The nucleophilic substitution of iodine with O- and N-nucleophiles results in [9-RO-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]^- (R = H, CH₂CH₂OMe) and [9-L-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁] (L = Py, NEt₃, Me₂NCH₂CH₂NMe₂), respectively. Reaction of [9-I-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]^- with CoCl₂ in 1,2-dimethoxyethane in the presence of t-BuOK, depending on the order of addition of the reagents, leads either to a diastereomeric mixture of diiodo derivatives cobalt bis(dicarbollide) rac-[4,4'-I₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^- and meso-[4,7'-I₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^- or to the corresponding mixture of 2-methoxyethoxy derivatives rac-[4,4'-(MeOCH₂CH₂O)₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^- and meso-[4,7'-(MeOCH₂CH₂O)₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^-. In the presence of accidental admixture of sodium thiosulfate, the reactions of 9-iodo-nido-carborane and 9-(2'-methoxyethoxy)-nido-carborane with CoCl₂ in 1,2-dimethoxyethane were found to produce additionally unprecedented tricobalt tris(dicarbollide) cluster Na[4,4',4''-(MeOCH₂CH₂O)₃-3,3',3''-Co₃(μ³-O)(μ³-S)(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₃], the central fragment of which is a trigonal bipyramid with apical oxygen and sulfur atoms, and the base is formed by the Co₃ triangle flanked by three dicarbollide ligands. In addition, the 2-methoxyethoxy substituents of the dicarbollide ligands chelate the sodium cation in such a way that they form a helix whose rotation direction depends on the enantiomer of the parent ligand. Thus, in this case, induction of the helical chirality of the complex occurs due to the point chirality of the initial inorganic ligand. It is worth noting that in the case of symmetrically substituted 2-methoxyethoxy derivative of nido-carborane [10-MeOCH₂CH₂O-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]^- only formation of the corresponding cobalt bis(dicarbollide) complex [8,8'-(MeOCH₂CH₂O)₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^- was observed.

Bis(dicarbollide) Complexes of Transition Metals as a Platform for Molecular Switches. Study of Complexation of 8,8'-Bis(methylsulfanyl) Derivatives of Cobalt and Iron Bis(dicarbollides)

Complexation of the 8,8'-bis(methylsulfanyl) derivatives of cobalt and iron bis(dicarbollides) [8,8'-(MeS)₂-3,3'-M(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]^- (M = Co, Fe) with copper, silver, palladium and rhodium leads to the formation of the corresponding chelate complexes, which is accompanied by a transition from the transoid to the cisoid conformation of the bis(dicarbollide) complex. This transition is reversible and can be used in design of coordination-driven molecular switches based on transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes. The solid-state structures of {(Ph₃P)ClPd[8,8'- (MeS)₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂-κ²-S,S']} and {(COD)Rh[8,8'-(MeS)₂-3,3'-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂-κ²-S,S']} were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

A fast and simple B-C bond formation in metallacarboranes avoiding halometallacarboranes and transition metal catalysts

An electrophilic substitution on metallacarboranes by using a stabilized carbocation that can be made in situ is reported for the first time. This new synthetic methodology provides a new perspective on easy metallacarborane derivatization with organic fragments, which enhances the properties of both fragments and widens their possible applications.

Synthesis and reactivity of propionitrilium derivatives of cobalt and iron bis(dicarbollides)

The nucleophilic addition of alcohols and thiols to 8-propionitrilium derivatives of cobalt and iron bis(dicarbollides) gives the corresponding imidates and thioimidates.

Synthesis and study ofC-substituted methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide)

The C-methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) were synthesized by reaction of anhydrous CoCl₂ with nido-carborane [7-MeS-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]⁻ and isolated as a mixture of rac-[1,1′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]⁻ and meso-[1,2′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]⁻ isomers. The structures of both isomers were studied using DFT quantum chemical calculations. The most preferable geometry of rotamers and the stabilization energy of C-methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbolide) were calculated. The (BEDT-TTF)[1,1′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂] salt was prepared and its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The cisoid conformation of the rac-[1,1′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]⁻ anion is stabilized by short intramolecular CH⋯S hydrogen and BH⋯S chalcogen bonds between the dicarbollide ligands, that is in good agreement with the data of quantum chemical calculations.

The C-methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) rac-[1,1′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]⁻ and meso-[1,2′-(MeS)₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂]⁻ were synthesized and studied by DFT calculations and X-ray diffraction.

Synthesis and Structure of Methylsulfanyl Derivatives of Nickel Bis(Dicarbollide)

Symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted methylsulfanyl derivatives of nickel(III) bis(dicarbollide) (Bu₄N)[8,8'-(MeS)₂-3,3'-Ni(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂], (Bu₄N)[4,4'-(MeS)₂-3,3'-Ni(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂], and (Bu₄N)[4,7'-(MeS)₂-3,3'-Ni(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂] were synthesized, starting from [Ni(acac)₂]₃ and the corresponding methylsulfanyl derivatives of nido-carborane (Bu₄N)[10-MeS-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁] and (Bu₄N)[10-MeS-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]. Structures of the synthesized metallacarboranes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical calculations. The symmetrically substituted 8,8'-isomer adopts transoid conformation stabilized by two pairs of intramolecular C-H···S hydrogen bonds between the dicarbollide ligands. The unsymmetrically substituted 4,7'-isomer adopts gauche conformation, which is stabilized by two nonequivalent C-H···S hydrogen bonds and one short chalcogen B-H···S bond (2.53 Å, -1.4 kcal/mol). The gauche conformation was found to be also preferred for the 4,7'-isomer.

Dimethyloxonium and Methoxy Derivatives of nido-Carborane and Metal Complexes Thereof

9-Dimethyloxonium, 10-dimethyloxonium, 9-methoxy and 10-methoxy derivatives of nido-carborane (9-Me2O-7,8-C2B9H11, 10-Me2O-7,8-C2B9H11, [9-MeO-7,8-C2B9H11]−, and [10-MeO-7,8-C2B9H11]−, respectively) were prepared by the reaction of the parent nido-carborane [7,8-C2B9H12]− with mercury(II) chloride in a mixture of benzene and dimethoxymethane. Reactions of the 9 and 10-dimethyloxonium derivatives with triethylamine, pyridine, and 3-methyl-6-nitro-1H-indazole result in their N-methylation with the formation of the corresponding salts with 9 and 10-methoxy-nido-carborane anions. The reaction of the symmetrical methoxy derivative [10-MeO-7,8-C2B9H11]− with anhydrous FeCl2 in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of t-BuOK results in the corresponding paramagnetic iron bis(dicarbollide) complex [8,8′-(MeO)2-3,3′-Fe(1,2-C2B9H10)2]−, whereas the similar reactions of the asymmetrical methoxy derivative [9-MeO-7,8-C2B9H11]− with FeCl2 and CoCl2 presumably produce the 4,7′-isomers [4,7′-(MeO)2-3,3′-M(1,2-C2B9H10)2]− (M = Fe, Co) rather than a mixture of rac-4,7′- and meso-4,4′-isomers.

Ferrocene and Transition Metal Bis(Dicarbollides) as Platform for Design of Rotatory Molecular Switches

Design of rotatory molecular switches based on extremely stable sandwich organometallic complexes ferrocene and bis(dicarbollide) complexes of transition metals is reviewed. The "on"-"off" switching in these systems can be controlled by various external stimuli such as change of the solution pH, interactions with coordinating species or redox reactions involving the central atom or substituents in the ligands.

Novel sulfur containing derivatives of carboranes and metallacarboranes

A series of new closo- and nido-carborane based functional derivatives 1-X(CH2)nS-1,2-C2B10H11 (X=COOH, N3, CH(NH2)COOH) and [7-X(CH2)nS-7,8-C2B9H11]− (X=COOH, N3, NH2, CH(NH2)COOH) was prepared by alkylation of 1-mercapto-ortho-carborane. Dialkylsulfonium derivatives of nido-carborane 9-R(Me)S-7,8-C2B9H11 and 10-R(Me)S-7,8-C2B9H11 with boron-sulfur bond were prepared by alkylation of the corresponding methyl-carboranyl thioether. New types of intramolecular B–H···X and B–H···π(C≡C) interactions were found in nido-carborane alkylmethyl sulfonium derivatives 9-XCH2S(Me)S-7,8-C2B9H11 and 10-RC≡CCH2S(Me)S-7,8-C2B9H11, respectively. Isomeric methylsulfide derivatives of transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes [X,Y-(MeS)2-3,3′-M(1,2-C2B9H10)2]− (M=Co, Fe) were prepared starting from the corresponding methylcarboranyl thioethers. The intramolecular CHcarb···S(Me)S hydrogen bonding between the dicarbollide ligands in cobalt bis(dicarbollide) complexes results in stabilization of definite rotational isomers – transoid in the case of the 8,8′-isomer and gauche in the case of the 4,4′- and 4,7′-isomers.