Catalytic aerobic photooxidation of triarylphosphines using dibenzo-fused 1,4-azaborines

Anion-Responsive Colorimetric and Fluorometric Red-Shift in Triarylborane Derivatives: Dual Role of Phenazaborine as Lewis Acid and Electron Donor

Photophysical modulation of triarylboranes (TABs) through Lewis acid-base interactions is a fundamental approach for sensing anions. Yet, design principles for anion-responsive TABs displaying significant red-shift in absorption and photoluminescence (PL) have remained elusive. Herein, a new strategy for modulating the photophysical properties of TABs in a red-shift mode has been presented, by using a nitrogen-bridged triarylborane (1,4-phenazaborine: PAzB) with a contradictory dual role as a Lewis acid and an electron donor. Following the strategy, PAzB derivatives connected with an electron-deficient azaaromatic have been developed, and these compounds display a distinct red-shift in their absorption and PL in response to an anion. Spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculations have revealed the formation of a tetracoordinate borate upon the addition of fluoride, narrowing the HOMO-LUMO gap and enhancing the charge-transfer character in the excited state. This approach has also been demonstrated in modulating the photophysical properties of solid-state films.

Juggling Optoelectronics and Catalysis: The Dual Talents of Bench Stable 1,4-Azaborinines

Boron- and nitrogen-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (B-PAHs) have established a strong foothold in the realm of organic electronics. However, their catalytic potential remains largely untapped. In this study, we synthesise and characterise two bench stable B,N-doped PAH derivatives based on a 1,4-azaborinine motif. Most importantly, the anthracene derived structure is an efficient catalyst in the reduction of various carbonyls and imines. These results underscore the potential of B,N-PAHs in catalytic transformations, setting the stage for deeper exploration in this chemical space.

Hyper-Cross-Linked Porous Polymer Featuring B-N Covalent Bonds (HCP-BNs): A Stable and Efficient Metal-Free Heterogeneous Photocatalyst

The first example of a porous polymer containing B-N covalent bonds, prepared from a tetraphene B-N monomer and biphenyl as a comonomer, is reported. It was prepared using the solvent knitting strategy, which allows the connection between the aromatic rings of the two monomers through methylene groups provided by an external cross-linking agent. The new polymer exhibited micromeso porosity with an S_BET of 612 m²/g, high thermal stability, and potential properties as a heterogeneous photocatalyst, since it is very active in the aza-Henry coupling reaction (>98% of conversion and selectivity). After the first run, the catalyst improves its photocatalytic activity, shortening the reaction time to only 2 h and maintaining this activity in successive runs. The presence of a radical in this structure that remains stable with successive runs makes it a new type of material with potential applications as a highly stable and efficient photocatalyst.