Rhodium-Catalyzed Amidation of the Cage B(4)–H Bond in o-Carboranes with Dioxazolones by Carboxylic Acid-Assisted B(4)–H Bond Activation

Cu(I)-Catalyzed Highly Regioselective C-H Amidation of Quinoline N-Oxides with Dioxazolones

A Cu(I)-catalyzed highly regioselective synthesis of 2-acetamidequinoline N-oxides using dioxazolones with quinoline N-oxides has been reported. The reaction possesses mild reaction conditions and excellent functional group compatibility. Furthermore, the addition of hydrochloric acid promotes the decomposition of copper complexes, which is beneficial for postprocessing.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed B(4)-Azo Coupling of o-Carboranes with Aryl Diazonium Tetrafluoroborates

Rh(III)-catalyzed B(4)-azo coupling reactions of o-carborane acids with aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates have been developed, leading to the regioselective formation of B(4)-azo-coupled o-carboranes. Moreover, B(4)-azo-coupled o-carboranes can be further functionalized by introducing a second azo group, producing B(4)-C(1)-di(arylazo) o-carborane. The B(4)-azo group as an efficient directing group enables catalytic C-H amidation reactions, providing a new synthetic route for complex o-carborane derivatives.

Formation and reactivity of a unique M⋯C-H interaction stabilized by carborane cages

Broadening carborane applications has consistently been the goal of chemists in this field. Herein, compared to alkyl or aryl groups, a carborane cage demonstrates an advantage in stabilizing a unique bonding interaction: M⋯C-H interaction. Experimental results and theoretical calculations have revealed the characteristic of this two-center, two-electron bonding interaction, in which the carbon atom in the arene ring provides two electrons to the metal center. The reduced aromaticity of the benzene moiety, long distance between the metal and carbon atom in arene, and the upfield shift of the signal of M⋯C-H in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum distinguished this interaction from metal⋯C π interaction and metal-C(H) σ bonds. Control experiments demonstrate the unique electronic effects of carborane in stabilizing the M⋯C-H bonding interaction in organometallic chemistry. Furthermore, the M⋯C-H interaction can convert into C-H bond metallization under acidic conditions or via treatment with t-butyl isocyanide. These findings deepen our understanding regarding the interactions between metal centers and carbon atoms and provide new opportunities for the use of carboranes.

Iridium-catalyzed selective arylation of B(6)-H of 3-aryl-o-carboranes with arylboronic acid via direct B-H activation

This work discloses an iridium-catalyzed selective arylation of B(6)-H of 3-Ar-o-carboranes with arylboronic acid via direct B-H activation for the first time. A series of unsymmetric and symmetric 3,6-diaryl-o-carboranes decorated with diverse active groups have been synthesized with moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. This work offers an efficient approach for selective arylation of B(6)-H with arylboronic acid and has important value for selective functionalization of o-carboranes.

Ir-Catalyzed B(3)-Amination of o-Carboranes with Amines via Acceptorless Dehydrogenative BH/NH Cross-Coupling

An efficient and convenient strategy for Ir-catalyzed selective B(3)-amination of o-carboranes with amines via acceptorless BH/NH dehydrocoupling was developed, affording a series of B(3)-aminated-o-carboranes in moderate to high isolated yields with H2 gas as a sole by-product. Such an oxidant-free system endues the protocol sustainability, atom-economy and environmental friendliness. A reaction mechanism via an Ir(I)-Ir(III)-Ir(I) catalytic cycle involving oxidative addition, dehydrogenation and reductive elimination was proposed.

Iridium-Catalyzed Regioselective B(4)-Alkenylation and B(3,5)-Dialkenylation of o-Carboranes

Iridium(I)-catalyzed regioselective B(4)-alkenylation has been developed from o-carboranyl sulfoxonium ylides and alkynes through B(4)-H activation. The sequential B(4)- and B(6)-alkenylation afforded B(3,5)-dialkenylated o-carboranyl sulfoxonium ylides in one pot. Eventually, two alkenyl groups, the same or different, were introduced at positions 3 and 5 of the carborane. Sulfoxonium ylide used as a directing group remains available for further functionalization and is converted to B-alkenylated o-carboranyl trichloromethyl ketones.

Iridium(III)-Catalyzed Regioselective B(4)-H Amination of o-Carboranes with Sufilimines

Iridium(III)-catalyzed regioselective B(4)-H amination is developed from the reaction of o-carborane acids with sulfilimines without any oxidants under mild conditions, which leads to a wide range of B(4)-H aminated o-carboranes in good yields with a broad substrate scope. Moreover, the selective B(3,6)-diamination reaction of the o-carborane acid was achieved. The present reaction is attractive from a practical point of view because dibenzothiophene is quantitatively recovered and reused.

B(9)-OH-o-Carboranes: Synthesis, Mechanism, and Property Exploration

Herein, we present a chemically robust and efficient synthesis route for B(9)-OH-o-carboranes by the oxidation of o-carboranes with commercially available 68% HNO₃ under the assistance of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The reaction is highly efficient with a wide scope of carboranes, and the selectivity of B(9)/B(8) is up to 98:2. The success of this transformation relies on the strong electrophilicity and oxidizability of HNO₃, promoted through hydrogen bonds of the Brønsted acid HOTf and the solvent HFIP. Mechanism studies reveal that the oxidation of o-carborane involves an initial electrophilic attack of HNO₃ to the hydrogen atom at the most electronegative B(9) of o-carborane. In this transformation, the hydrogen atom of the B-H bond is the nucleophilic site, which is different from the electrophilic substitution reaction, where the boron atom is the nucleophilic site. Therefore, this is an oxidation-reduction reaction of o-carborane under mild conditions in which N(V) → N(III) and H(-I) → H(I). The derivatization of 9-OH-o-carborane was further examined, and the carboranyl group was successfully introduced to an amino acid, polyethylene glycol, biotin, deoxyuridine, and saccharide. Undoubtedly, this approach provides a selective way for the rapid incorporation of carborane moieties into small molecules for application in boron neutron capture therapy, which requires the targeted delivery of boron-rich groups.

Iridium-catalyzed selective amination of B(4)-H for the synthesis of o-carborane-fused indolines

An iridium-catalyzed selective amination of B(4)-H via dehydrogenative cross-coupling of B-H/N-H bonds for the synthesis of o-carborane-fused indolines has been developed for the first time. Various types of unprecedented o-carborane-fused indolines have been synthesized, which would be potential candidates for applications in drug discovery, pharmaceutical chemistry and functional materials. This work offers a valuable reference for the designing and synthesis of o-carborane-fused heterocycles.

Regiodivergent metal-catalyzed B(4)- and C(1)-selenylation of o-carboranes

Regiodivergent transition metal-catalyzed B(4)- and C(1)-selenylation reactions of o-carboranes have been demonstrated. Namely, Ru(ii)-catalysis selectively generated B(4)-selenylated o-carboranes from the reaction of o-carborane acids with arylselenyl bromides with the release of carbon dioxide. In contrast, Pd(ii) catalysis provided exclusively C(1)-selenylated o-carboranes from the decarboxylative reaction of o-carborane acids with diaryl diselenides. In contrast to previous milestones in this area, these reactions demonstrate broad substrate scope with excellent yields. Combination of these methods leads to the formation of B(4)-C(1)-diselenylated o-carboranes. DFT studies revealed the mechanism of the Ru-process, with initial selenylation of the carborane cluster discovered to be essential for an energetically reasonable decarboxylation. This results in selenylation on the B(4) position prior to the decarboxylation event at C(1). This contrasted with the Pd-process in which the ready decarboxylation at C(1) leads to selenylation at C(1).

Iridium-Catalyzed Selective B(4)-H Amination of o-Carboranes with Anthranils

We report here a catalytic selective cage B4-H amination of o-carboranes employing an Ir(III) complex as a catalyst and anthranils as aminating agents, leading to a large class of B4-aminated o-carboranes with very high yields and a broad substrate scope under mild conditions without any oxidants. In these reactions, the carboxyl group serves as a traceless directing unit to determine the site selectivity and degree of substitution.

N-Ligand-Enabled Aromatic Nucleophilic Amination of 1,2-Diaryl-o-Carboranes with (R2 N)2 Mg for Selective Synthesis of 4-R2 N-o-Carboranes and 2-R2 N-m-Carboranes

The nucleophilic aromatic BH substitution reaction of carboranes is uncommon, compared to the electrophilic one. This work reported a pyridine-enabled transition-metal-free regioselective nucleophilic aromatic cage B(4)-H amination of 1,2-diaryl-o-carboranes with magnesium bisamides, giving a series of B(4)-aminated o-carboranes. DFT calculations showcased a stepwise B-N formation/B-H cleavage process, in which Mg-H formation/cage closure is the rate-determining step. Unprecedentedly, in the presence of 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl (dtbpy), a tandem B(4)-amination/cage isomerization reaction of o-carboranes was discovered for the facile preparation of B(2)-aminated m-carboranes. Control experiments indicated that magnesium complex, bidentate ligand (dtbpy) and reaction temperature were crucial in the cage isomerization process. This direct nucleophilic aromatic cage B-H amination reaction offers an alternative strategy for selective amination of o- and m-carboranes.

Transition metal catalyzed selective B(3)-H or B(4)-H amination of o-carboranes via dehydrogenative BH/NH cross-coupling

A unique approach to vertex-selective catalytic B-H amination at either the B(3)- or B(4)-position in o-carboranes has been developed. Using different transition metal catalysts, dehydrogenative BH/NH cross-coupling of o-carboranes and free amines has been achieved, leading to a wide variety of cage B(3)- or B(4)-aminated o-carboranes in moderate to high yields with excellent regioselectivity, where carboranyl carboxylic acids and amines can serve as competent coupling partners without any pre-functionalization. The isolation and structural identification of a key intermediate provide an insight into the reaction mechanism in the catalytic B(4)-H amination.

Synthesis of o-Carborane-Fused Pyrazoles through Sequential C-N Bond Formation

Transition-metal-free synthetic method for o-carborane-fused pyrazoles as a new scaffold has been developed from the reaction of B(4)-acylmethyl or B(3,5)-diacylmethyl o-carborane with 2-azido-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate (ADMP) in the presence of DBU in acetonitrile through sequential diazotization and cyclization reaction in one pot, consequently allowing twofold C-N bond formation under extremely mild conditions and high functional group tolerance.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective B(9)-Amination of o-Carboranes and m-Carboranes in HFIP with Broad Nitrogen Sources

Amination of carboranes has a good application prospect in organic and pharmaceutical synthesis. However, the current methods used for this transformation suffer from limitations. Herein, we report a practical method for a highly regioselective formation of a B-N bond by Pd(II)-catalyzed B(9)-H amination of o- and m-carboranes in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) with different nitrogen sources under air atmosphere. The silver salt and HFIP solvent play critical roles in the present protocol. The mechanistic study reveals that the silver salt acts as a Lewis acid to promote the electrophilic palladation step by forming a heterobimetallic active catalyst PdAg(OAc)₃; the strong hydrogen-bond-donating ability and low nucleophilicity of HFIP enhance the electrophilic ability of Pd(II). It is believed that these N-containing carboranes are potentially of great importance in the synthesis of new pharmaceuticals.

Practical Synthesis of B(9)-Halogenated Carboranes with N-Haloamides in Hexafluoroisopropanol

The B(9)-H halogenation of o-carborane and m-carborane was achieved with excellent selectivities in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) under simple reaction conditions: single reagent [trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), tribromoisocyanuric acid (TBCA) or N-iodosuccinimide (NIS)], catalyst-free, air-/moisture-tolerant, and convenient work-up. With this method, a variety of 9-halogenated o-carboranes and m-carboranes were obtained in good to excellent yields with broad tolerance of functional groups.

Iridium(III)-Catalyzed B(4)-Acylmethylation and B(3,5)-Diacylmethylation from o-Carboranes and Sulfoxonium Ylides

An iridium(III)-catalyzed regioselective acylmethylation of the cage B(4)-H bond in o-carborane acids with sulfoxonium ylides is demonstrated through B(4)-H activation in ethanol under very mild conditions, affording a number of B(4)-acylmethylated o-carboranes. Additionally, the selective sequential B(4)- and B(6)-acylmethylation reactions finally gave B(3,5)-diacylmethylated o-carboranes in one pot.

Rhodium-Catalyzed B(4)-H and B(3)-H Alkylation Reaction of Pyridyl o-Carboranes with α-Diazodicarboxylates

An efficient Rh-catalyzed B(4)-H and B(3)-H alkylation reaction was demonstrated from the reactions of a variety of pyridyl o-carboranes with α-diazodicarboxylates with the release of molecular nitrogen, leading to the production of B(4)-H and B(3)-H alkylated o-carboranes in good to excellent yields with high selectivity, a wide substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance.

Highly selective electrophilic B(9)-amination of o-carborane driven by HOTf and HFIP

An efficient B(9) electrophilic amination of o-carboranes with azodicarboxylates, promoted by a Brønsted acid and HFIP, was developed.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective B(3,4)-H Acyloxylation of o-Carboranes

We disclose herein an efficient regioselective B(3,4)-H activation via a ligand strategy, affording B(3)-monoacyloxylated and B(3,4)-diacyloxylated o-carboranes. The identification of amino acid and phosphoric acid ligands is crucial for the success of B(3)-mono- and B(3,4)-diacyloxylation, respectively. This ligand approach is compatible with a broad range of carboxylic acids. The functionalization of complex drug molecules is demonstrated. Other acyloxyl sources, including sodium benzoate, benzoic anhydride, and iodobenzene diacetate, are also tolerated.

Direct and Regioselective Palladium(II)-Catalyzed B(4)-H Monoacyloxylation and B(4,5)-H Diacetoxylation of o-Carborane Acids with Phenyliodonium Dicarboxylates

A direct B(4)-H monoacyloxylation via a Pd-catalyzed regioselective B(4)-H activation of o-carborane acids with phenyliodonium dicarboxylates was developed, and a series of B(4)-H monoacyloxylated o-carboranes decorated with active groups were synthesized with moderate to good yields as well as excellent selectivity. In addition, a direct B(4,5)-H diacetoxylation from o-carborane acids with phenyliodonium diacetate was demonstrated.

Mechanochemical Iridium(III)-Catalyzed B-Amidation of o-Carboranes with Dioxazolones

Mechanochemistry was successfully applied to the functionalization of carboranes. The mechanochemical iridium(III)-catalyzed regioselective B(3)- and B(4)-amidation of unsubstituted o-carboranes with dioxazolones was developed. In addition, the mechanochemical iridium(III)-catalyzed regioselective B(4)-amidation of substituted o-carboranes was demonstrated. Because mechanochemical B-amidation proceeds smoothly without organic solvents or external heating, the present method is regarded as a sustainable and environmentally friendly surrogate for typical solvent-based reactions.

A Strategy for Selective Catalytic B-H Functionalization of o-Carboranes

Carboranes are a class of polyhedral carbon-boron molecular clusters featuring three-dimensional aromaticity, which are often considered as 3D analogues of benzene. Their unique structural and electronic properties make them invaluable building blocks for applications ranging from functional materials to versatile ligands to pharmaceuticals. Thus, selective functionalization of carboranes has received tremendous research interest. In earlier days, the vast majority of the works in this area were focused on cage carbon functionalization via facile deprotonation of cage CH, followed by reaction with electrophiles. On the contrary, cage B-H activation is very challenging since the 10 B-H bonds on o-carborane are very similar, and how to achieve the desired transformation at specific boron vertex is a long-standing issue.As carbon is considered more electronegative than boron, this property results in different vertex charges on the o-carborane cage, which follow the order B(3,6)-H ≪ B(4,5,7,11)-H < B(8,10)-H < B(9,12)-H. We thought that this difference may trigger the favorite interaction of a proper transition metal complex with a specific B-H bond of carborane, which could be utilized to solve the selectivity issue. Accordingly, our strategy is described as follows: (1) electron-rich transition metal catalysts are good for the activation of the most electron-deficient B(3,6)-H bonds (connected to both cage C-H vertices); (2) electron-deficient transition metal catalysts are good for the activation of the relatively electron-rich B(8,9,10,12)-H bonds (with no bonding to either cage C-H vertices); and (3) directing-group-assisted transition metal catalysis is appropriate for the activation of the B(4,5,7,11)-H bonds (connected to only one cage C-H vertex), whose vertex charges lie in the middle of the range for the 10 B-H bonds. This strategy has been successfully applied by our laboratory and other groups in the development of a series of synthetic routes for catalytic selective activation of B-H bonds of the carborane cage, resulting in the synthesis of a large number of cage-boron-functionalized carborane derivatives in a regioselective and catalytic fashion. Subsequently, significant progress in this emerging area has been made.In 2013 we reported the selective tetrafluorination of o-carboranes at the B(8,9,10,12)-H bonds using an electron-deficient Pd(II) salt, [Pd(MeCN)₄][BF₄], as the catalyst. In 2014 we disclosed the first example of carboxy-directed alkenylation of o-carboranes at the B(4) vertex promoted by an Ir(III) catalyst. Subsequently, in 2017 we presented an electron-rich Ir(I)-catalyzed diborylation of o-carboranes at the B(3,6)-H bonds. We also uncovered the first example of Pd-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of chiral-at-cage o-carboranes in 2018. These proof-of-principle studies have greatly stimulated research activities in selective B-H activation of carboranes and boron clusters enabled by transition metal catalysts. We have so far developed a toolbox of synthetic methods for selective catalytic cage B-olefination, -arylation, -alkenylation, -alkynylation, -oxygenation, -sulfenylation, -borylation, -halogenation, and -amination. We have recently expanded our research to base metal catalysis. As the field progresses, we expect that other methods for regioselective cage B-H activation will be invented, and the results detailed in this Account will promote these efforts.

Electrooxidative o-carborane chalcogenations without directing groups: cage activation by copper catalysis at room temperature

Copper-catalyzed electrochemical direct chalcogenations of o-carboranes was established at room temperature. Thereby, a series of cage C-sulfenylated and C-selenylated o-carboranes anchored with valuable functional groups was accessed with high levels of position- and chemo-selectivity control. The cupraelectrocatalysis provided efficient means to activate otherwise inert cage C-H bonds for the late-stage diversification of o-carboranes.

Photoredox B-H functionalization to selective B-N(sp3) coupling of nido-carborane with primary and secondary amines

Access to nido-carborane site-selective B-N(sp³) coupling by photoredox catalysed B-H activation has been achieved for the first time, which leads to the synthesis of a series of nitrogen-containing nido-carboranes with moderate to good yields. This protocol is applicable to primary and secondary amines containing alkyl, or heteroaryl groups as well as sulfonamides. Furthermore, the open to air and metal-free conditions with excellent site-selectivity represent a significant improvement for B-H functionalization of nido-carboranes with organic functionalities.

Pd-catalyzed selective tetrafunctionalization of diiodo-o-carboranes

A palladium-catalyzed highly selective tetrafunctionalization of 3,6-I2-o-carborane and 4,7-I2-o-carborane has been developed, leading to the preparation of 3,6-dialkenyl-4,11-R2-o-carboranes and 4,7-dialkenyl-5,11-R2-o-carboranes (R = alkyl, allyl and aryl) in moderate to excellent yields. This represents a new strategy for selective synthesis of polyfunctionalized o-carborane derivatives via a one-pot process.

Fe-Catalyzed Intramolecular B-H/C-H Dehydrogenative Coupling: Synthesis of Carborane-Fused Nitrogen Heterocycles

We disclose herein the first example of iron-catalyzed regioselective intramolecular C-H/B-H dehydrogenative coupling, affording unprecedented C,B-substituted carborane-fused phenanthroline derivatives. The 8-aminoquinoline type auxiliaries not only serve as the bidentate directing groups but also ingeniously become the core part of the final products. The mechanistic hypothesis includes B-H activation, directing group rotation promoted by trans effect, C-H activation, and reductive elimination.

Steric-Effects-Directed B-H Bond Activation of para-Carboranes

The controllable B-H bond activation of carboranes has long been a compelling challenge. However, as the symmetry of para-carborane places the same charge on all of its ten boron atoms, controlling the regiochemistry of B-H bond activation in these molecules has remained out of reach ever since their discovery. Herein, we describe how to use steric effects to achieve a regioselective process for B-H activation of para-carborane. In this strategy, B(2,8)-H or B(2,7)-H activation patterns were achieved by taking advantage of the π-π interactions between pyridine ligands. Interestingly, by employing host-guest interactions in metallacage compounds, B(2,8)-H bond activation could be avoided and exclusive B(2,9)-H bond activation can be achieved. Steric hindrance was also found to be beneficial for regioselective B(2,8)-H bond activation in metallacage species. In this work, we demonstrate that steric effects can be a promising driving force for controllable activation of the B-H bonds of carboranes and open new opportunities in this field.

Selective B(5,8,9)-Triarylation Reaction of o-Carboranes through Determination of the Order of Introduction of Aryl Groups into B(4)-Acylamino-o-carboranes

Palladium-catalyzed iterative cage B-H arylation reaction of a wide range of B(4)-acylamino-o-carboranes with aryl iodides has been developed, leading to the formation of B(5,8,9)-triarylated B(4)-acylamino-o-carboranes with excellent regioselectivity. Moreover, B(5,8,9)-triarylated carboranes bearing three different aryl groups were synthesized from B(4)-acylamino-o-carborane and three different aryl iodides. The order of introduction [B(9) > B(8) > B(5)] of aryl groups into the B(5,8,9)-triarylation reaction was determined for the first time through NMR monitoring and X-ray analyses.

Stepwise B–H bond activation of a meta-carborane

Stepwise multiple B–H bond activation is a major challenge in synthetic chemistry.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed ortho-C-H amidation of 2-arylindazoles with a dioxazolone as an amidating reagent

A simple and efficient method for the directed amidation of a wide range of 2-arylindazoles has been established for the first time through a rhodium-catalyzed C-H activation reaction with alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl dioxazolones. A series of N-(2-(2H-indazol-2-yl)phenyl)acetamide derivatives were synthesized in excellent yields. A mechanistic study was conducted to describe C-H bond cleavage which is likely to be involved in the rate determining step.

Ir-catalyzed selective dehydrogenative cross-coupling of aryls with o-carboranes via a mixed directing-group strategy

Ir-catalyzed highly selective B–H/C–H cross dehydrogenative coupling between o-carboranes and (hetero)aryls has been achieved using a mixed directing-group strategy.

Palladium-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of B(4,5)- or B(4)-substituted o-carboranes containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyls

B(4,5)- or B(4)-Substituted o-carboranes containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyls are regioselectively synthesized through a Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation cross coupling reaction.