Complexes Between Adamantane Analogues B4X6 -X = {CH2, NH, O ; SiH2, PH, S} - and Dihydrogen, B4X6:nH2 (n = 1-4)

Taming the Lewis Superacidity of Non-Planar Boranes: C-H Bond Activation and Non-Classical Binding Modes at Boron

The rational design of a geometrically constrained boron Lewis superacid featuring exceptional structure and reactivity is disclosed. It allowed the formation of non-classical electron deficient B-H-B type of bonding which was supported by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction parameters as well as computational studies. Taming the pyramidal Lewis acid electrophilicity through weak coordinating anion dissociation enabled a series of highly challenging chemical transformations such as Csp 2 -H and Csp 3 -H activation under frustrated Lewis pair regime and the cleavage of Csp 3 -Si bonds. The demonstration of such type of rich chemical behavior and flexibility on a single molecular compound make it a unique mediator of chemical transformations generally restricted to transition metals.