Polyhedral Monocarbaborane Chemistry. A Review of Recent Developments Among C-Aryl Monocarbaborane Systems

New approaches to the functionalization of the 1-carba-closo-decaborate anion

Two new approaches to the functionalization of the 1-carba-closo-decaborate anion [1-CB₉H₁₀]^- at boron atoms via the ring-opening of its 1,4-dioxane derivative with various nucleophiles and Pd-catalysed cross-coupling of its iodo derivative with aromatic amines and heteroaromatics were developed.

Highly selective palladium-catalyzed one-pot, five-fold B-H/C-H cross coupling of monocarboranes with alkenes

Palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenative B-H/C-H cross coupling of monocarborane anions with alkenes is reported, allowing for the first time the isolation of selectively penta-alkenylated boron clusters. The reaction cascade is regioselective for the cage positions, leading directly to B2-6 functionalization. Under mild and convenient conditions, styrenes, benzylic alkenes and aliphatic alkenes are demonstrated to be viable coupling partners with exclusive vinyl-type B-C bond formation. Multiple subsequent transformations provide access to directing group-free products, chiral derivatives and penta-alkylated cages. The five-fold coupling, combined with the latter reactions, represents a powerful methodology for the straightforward synthesis of new classes of boron clusters.

Regioselective Functionalization of the [ closo-1-CB9H10]- Anion through Iodonium Zwitterions

Reactions of [ closo-1-CB₉H₉-1-R]^- (2, R = H, COOH, C₅H₁₁) with PhI(OAc)₂ lead to mixtures of regioisomers [ closo-1-CB₉H₈-1-R-6-IPh] (5[6]) and [ closo-1-CB₉H₈-1-R-10-IPh] (5[10]) in ratios of ∼3:1 to 1:1, of which the former isomer undergoes selective reactions with nucleophiles (MeCN, pyridine, MeC(═NH)NH₂, CN^-). The products and the unreacted 10-isomers 5[10] are separated achieving kinetic resolution of the isomeric iodonium zwitterions. Pure 5[10] is reacted with nucleophiles (pyridine, 4-C₇H₁₅OPyridine, Me₂NCHS, PhCO₂^-, CN^-, N₃^-, I^-, MeC(═NH)NH₂, and MeCN), giving substitution products. The mechanism of the substitution is investigated with density functional theory (DFT) methods. Some of the nucleophilic substitution products are transformed further, expanding the scope of available functional groups for the [ closo-1-CB₉H₁₀]^- anion. Four derivatives are characterized with single-crystal XRD methods: [ closo-1-CB₉H₉-10-N₂] (4[10]a), [ closo-1-CB₉H₉-6-NC₅H₅] (9[6]a), [ closo-1-CB₉H₉-10-NC₅H₅] (9[10]a), and [ closo-1-CB₉H₉-10-NHC(NH₂)Me] (10[10]a). Spectroscopic data for selected derivatives are interpreted in terms of transmission of electronic effects through the { closo-1-CB₉} cluster (NMR) and interaction with substituents (IR, UV). The latter results are compared to those of TD-DFT computational methods.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed dehydrogenative dialkenylation of the monocarba-closo-decaborate cluster by regioselective B–H activation

The regioselective double B–H activation of the {CB₉} carborane by rhodium catalysis is reported, affording novel inorganic–organic hybrid clusters.

B–H functionalization of the monocarba-closo-dodecaborate anion by rhodium and iridium catalysis

The regioselective derivatization of the monocarba-closo-dodecaborate anion via catalytic B–H bond activation is reported.

Click Dehydrogenation of Carbon-Substituted nido-5,6-C2B8H12 Carboranes: A General Route to closo-1,2-C2B8H10 Derivatives

Triethylamine-catalyzed dehydrogenation of carbon-disubstituted dicarbaboranes 5,6-R2-nido-5,6-C2B8H10 [1, where R = H (1a), Me (1b), and Ph (1c)] in refluxing acetonitrile leads to a high-yield (up to 85-95%) formation of a series of dicarbaboranes 1,2-R2-closo-1,2-C2B8H8 (2). The monosubstituted 6-R-nido-5,6-C2B8H11 (3) analogues [where R = Ph (3a), naph (1-naphthyl; 3b), Bu (3c)] afforded 1-R-1,2-closo C2B8H9 (4) isomers [where R = Ph (4a), naph (4b), n-Bu (4c)] as the main products; compounds 4a and 4c were accompanied by 2-R-1,2-C2B8H9 (5) isomers (total yields up to 90%), with the 4/5 molar ratio being strongly dependent on the nature of R (4:1 and 1:1, respectively). All of these cage-closure reactions are supposed to proceed via the stage of the corresponding Et3NH(+) salts of nido anions [5,6-R2-5,6-C2B8H9](-) (1(-)) and [6-R-5,6-C2B8H10](-) (3(-)), which lose H2 and Et3N upon heating (dehydrodeamination). The cage-closure mechanisms leading to closo isomers 2, 4, and 5 have been substantiated by B3LYP/6-31+G* calculations of the reaction profile for a simple 1a(-) → 2a + H(-) conversion. All of the compounds isolated have been characterized by multinuclear ((11)B, (1)H, and (13)C) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses, and the structure of 1-Ph-closo-1,2-C2B8H9 (4a) was established by an X-ray diffraction study.

Carba-closo-dodecaborate anions with two functional groups: [1-R-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB₁₁H₁₀]⁻ (R = CN, NC, CO₂H, C(O)NH₂, NHC(O)H)

Disubstituted carba-closo-dodecaborate anions with one functional group bonded to the cluster carbon atom and one ethynyl group bonded to the antipodal boron atom were synthesized from easily accessible {closo-1-CB11} clusters. [Et4N][1-NC-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]4b) was prepared starting from Cs[12-Et3SiC≡C-closo-1-CB11H11] (Cs1c) via salts of the anions [1-HO(O)C-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10](-) (2b) and [1-H2N(O)C-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10](-) (3b). In a similar reaction sequence [Et4N][1-CN-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]7b) was obtained from Cs[1-H2N-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] (Cs5b) by formamidation to yield [Et4N][1-H(O)CHN-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]6b) and successive dehydration. In addition, the synthesis of the isonitrile [Et4N][1-CN-closo-1-CB11H11] ([Et4N]7a) is presented. The {closo-1-CB11} derivatives were characterized by multinuclear NMR as well as vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of [Et4N][1-HO(O)C-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]2b), [Et4N][1-H2N(O)C-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]3b), [Et4N][1-NC-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]4b), [Et4N][1-H(O)CHN-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]6b), [Et4N][1-CN-12-HC≡C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]7b), and K[1-H(O)CHN-closo-1-CB11H11] ([Et4N]6a) were determined. The transmission of electronic effects through the carba-closo-dodecaboron cage was studied based on (13)C NMR spectroscopic data, by results derived from density functional theory calculations, and by a comparison to the data of related benzene and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.

Functionalization of the [closo-1-CB9H10]- anion for the construction of new classes of liquid crystals

The [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion is a member of an extensive family of σ-aromatic closo-boranes that possess impressive stability and functionalization characteristics. In contrast to its bigger, more extensively studied brother, the [closo-1-CB(11)H(12)](-) anion, convenient access to the [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion has only been recently established, and researchers have only begun to develop and understand its fundamental chemistry. The geometrical and electronic properties of the [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion make it an attractive structural element of novel classes of either zwitterionic or ionic liquid crystals suitable for electro-optical and ion transport applications, respectively. Such materials require a 1,10-difunctionalized [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion that permits for the formation of molecules of elongated shape. The covalent attachment of an onium fragment or the use of a counterion compensates for the negative charge. This Account highlights the progress made in the advancement and understanding of the fundamental chemistry of the [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion. We also describe the development of 1,10-difunctionalized derivatives as key intermediates in the preparation of new classes of liquid crystalline materials. We obtained the first isomerically pure 1,10-difunctionalized derivative of the [closo-1-CB(9)H(10)](-) anion, iodo acid [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COOH-10-I](-), from decaborane through the Brellochs reaction. Functional group transformation of the C(1)-carboxyl group led to a 1-amino derivative and, subsequently, to a synthetically valuable 1-dinitrogen derivative. The latter exhibits reactivity typical for PhN(2)(+) and undergoes diazocoupling and Gomberg-Bachmann arylation reactions. The B(10)-iodine participated in Negishi alkylation and Buchwald-Hartwig amination reactions, leading to 10-hexyl and 10-amino carboxylic acids, respectively. We converted the 10-amino carboxylic acid to a 10-dinitrogen acid [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COOH-10-N(2)], which proved to be synthetically valuable in the preparation of 10-pyridinium and 10-sulfonium zwitterionic acids and their liquid crystalline esters. We investigated several intermediates using structural, spectroscopic, and kinetic methods.

Anionic amino acid [closo-1-CB9H8-1-COO-10-NH3]- and dinitrogen acid [closo-1-CB9H8-1-COOH-10-N2] as key precursors to advanced materials: synthesis and reactivity

Amino acid [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COO-10-NH(3)](-) (4) was prepared by amination of iodo acid [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COOH-10-I](-) (1) with LiHMDS in a practical and reproducible manner. The apparent dissociation constants, pK(2) = 5.6 and pK(1) > 11, were measured for 4[NMe(4)] in 50% aq. EtOH. Diazotization of 4 with NO(+)PF(6)(-) under mildly basic conditions afforded stable dinitrogen acid [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COOH-10-N(2)] (5). Activation parameters (DeltaH(++) = 33.9 +/- 1.4 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS(++) = 10 +/- 3.5 cal mol(-1) K(-1)) for thermolysis of its methyl ester [closo-1-CB(9)H(8)-1-COOMe-10-N(2)] (11) in PhCN were established, and the heterolysis of the B-N bond is believed to be the rate-determining step. Electrochemical analysis showed a partially reversible reduction process for 11 (E(1/2)(red) = -1.03 V) and 5(-) (E(1/2)(red) = -1.21 V), which are more cathodic than reduction of [closo-1-CB(9)H(9)-1-N(2)] (17). The dinitrogen acid 5 was reacted with pyridine and N,N-dimethylthioformamide, to form pyridine acid 6 and protected mercapto acid 7, respectively, through a boronium ylide intermediate 18. Compound 7 was converted to sulfonium acid 8. The molecular and crystal structures for 5 [C(2)H(9)B(9)N(2)O(2) monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.022(2) A, b = 11.389(4) A, c = 12.815(4) A, beta = 96.212(5) degrees ; V = 1018.8(6) A(3), Z = 4,], 6 [C(7)H(14)B(9)NO(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 14.275(4) A, b = 12.184(3) A, c = 30.538(8) A, beta = 95.377(4) degrees ; V = 5288(3) A(3), Z = 16], and 8 [C(7)H(19)B(9)O(2)S, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 15.988(5) A, b = 19.377(6) A, c = 9.655(3) A, beta = 98.348(5) degrees; V = 2959.4(16) A(3), Z = 8] were determined by X-ray crystallography and compared with results of density functional theory (DFT) and MP2 calculations. Electronic structures of 5, 6, and related species were elucidated with electronic spectroscopy and assessed computationally at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), MP2/6-31G(d,p), and ZINDO//MP2 levels of theory.

Improved synthesis of [closo-1-CB9H10]– anion and new C-substituted derivatives

The Brellochs method was utilized to gain access to the [closo-1-CB9H10]– anion (1). Previous work describing the details of the synthesis of 1 via the [closo-2-CB9H10]– anion (2) was brief and insufficient. Therefore, we report an optimized procedure for the synthesis of 1, the preparation of the unknown C-halogenated series using N-halosuccinimides and bis(benzenesulfonyl)fluoroamine, and the unknown C-methylated product using CH3I. NMR properties and regularities within the series were also investigated.

Ten-vertex iron-monocarbollide complexes: synthesis and reactivity of the anion [4,9-{Fe(CO)4}-9,9,9-(CO)3-arachno-9,6-FeCB8H11]-

The reagent [arachno-4-CB8H14] reacts with [Fe3(CO)12] in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at reflux temperatures, followed by addition of [N(PPh3)2]Cl, to afford [N(PPh3)2][4,9-{Fe(CO)4}-9,9,9-(CO)3-arachno-9,6-FeCB8H11] (3). In the anion of 3, one iron atom is part of the open CBBFeBB face of a 10-vertex {arachno-9,6-FeCB8} cage, to which the second iron atom is attached via an Fe-Fe bond and an additional exo-polyhedral Fe-B sigma bond. Upon heating 3 in refluxing toluene, the closed 10-vertex species [N(PPh3)2][2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-FeCB8H9] (4) is obtained, whereas the isomeric compound [N(PPh3)2][6,6,6-(CO)3-closo-6,1-FeCB8H9] (5) is isolated upon heating [closo-4-CB8H9]- and [Fe3(CO)12] in refluxing THF with subsequent addition of [N(PPh3)2]Cl. Protonation of 3 using CF3SO3H in CH2Cl2 gives the charge-compensated compound [4,9-{Fe(CO)4}-4-(mu-H)-9,9,9-(CO)3-arachno-9,6-FeCB8H11] (6), in which the B-Fe sigma bond of the precursor has been converted to a B-H right harpoon-up Fe linkage. In contrast, 3 with {M(PPh3)}+ gives the trimetallic species [1,3,4,9-{MFe(CO)4(PPh3)}-1,3-(mu-H)2-9,9,9-(CO)3-arachno-9,6-FeCB8H9] (M = Cu (7), Ag 8) in which the three metal centers form a V-shaped M-Fe-Fe unit. Compound 6 reacts with PEt3 in the presence of Me(3)NO to yield [4,9-(PEt3)2-9,9-(CO)2-nido-9,6-FeCB8H10] (9). In the latter, the formerly exo-polyhedral {Fe(CO)4} fragment has been replaced by a PEt3 ligand, with a second PEt3 substituting one CO group at the remaining cluster iron vertex. The novel structural features of compounds 3-9 have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

Polyhedral monocarbaborane chemistry. Some C-phenylated seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve-vertex species

Some synthetic and structural systematics for monocarbaboranes, using the C-phenylated motif as the example, are investigated. The 10-vertex [6-Ph-nido-6-CB(9)H(11)](-) anion 1, from reaction of PhCHO with B(10)H(14) in KOH/H(2)O, is a useful entry synthon into C-phenyl monocarbaborane chemistry. Treatment of anion 1 with Na/thf yields the 10-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(9)H(9)](-) anion 2a, whereas treatment of anion 1 with iodine in alkaline solution yields the isomeric 10-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(9)H(9)](-) anion 2b, which isomerises quantitatively to 2a on heating under reflux in DME. Thermolysis of anion 1 yields the 9-vertex [4-Ph-closo-4-CB(8)H(8)](-) anion 5, whereas treatment of anion 1 with FeCl(3)/HCl gives neutral 9-vertex [4-Ph-arachno-4-CB(8)H(13)] 3. Compound 3 gives neutral 9-vertex [1-Ph-nido-1-CB(8)H(11)] 4 in refluxing toluene, and gives the 7-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(6)H(6)](-) anion 7 and the 8-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(7)H(7)](-) anion 6 in refluxing toluene with NEt(3). Reaction of 1 with [BH(3)(thf)] yields the 11-vertex [7-Ph-nido-7-CB(10)H(12)](-) anion 8 which can be converted to the 12-vertex [1-Ph-closo-1-CB(11)H(11)](-) anion 10 using [BH(3)(SMe(2))]; alternatively, anion 1 yields anion 10 directly on treatment with [BH(3)(NEt(3))]. Treatment of anion 8 with I(2)/KOH yields the 11-vertex [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(10)H(10)](-) anion 9. The structures of anions 1, 2a, 2b, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of their [NEt(4)](+) salts, and those of neutral 3 and 4 estimated by DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level; similar calculations have also been applied to the new anionic closo species 2a, 2b, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Crystals of the [NEt(4)](+) salt of the [2-Ph-closo-2-CB(6)H(6)](-) anion 7 required synchrotron X-radiation for sufficient diffraction intensity for molecular-structure elucidation. The syntheses are in principle generally applicable to give extensive derivative C-aryl and C-alkyl chemistries.

A Practical Synthesis of Isomerically Pure 1,10-Difunctionalized Derivatives of the [closo-1-CB9H10] Anion

The isomer-free [closo-1-CB9H(8)-1-COOH-10-I]- anion was prepared in four steps and 10% overall yield from B10H14. The key step is the skeletal isomerization of the [closo-2-CB9H8-2-COOH-7-I]- anion to a mixture of the 10- and 6-iodo derivatives of [closo-1-CB9H(9)-1-COOH]- formed in up to a 3:1 ratio. The carboxylic acid 4 was converted to the amine [closo-1-CB9H(8)-1-NH(2)-10-I]- using the Curtius reaction. The relative thermodynamic stability of each product was calculated at the DFT and MP2 levels of theory. The regioselectivity of electrophilic substitution in [closo-CB9H10]- derivatives was briefly investigated using the NBO population analysis of the MP2 wave function.