Aromatic Osmacyclopropenefuran Bicycles and Their Relevance for the Metal‐Mediated Hydration of Functionalized Allenes

The aromatic osmacyclopropenefuran bicycles [OsTp{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ (Tp=hydridotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate) and [OsH{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, with the metal fragment in a common vertex between the fused three‐ and five‐membered rings, have been prepared via the π‐allene intermediates [OsTp(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(OCMe₂)(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ and [OsH(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(CO)(OH₂)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, and their aromaticity analyzed by DFT calculations. The bicycle containing the [OsH(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]⁺ metal fragment is a key intermediate in the [OsH(CO)(OH₂)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄‐catalyzed regioselective anti‐Markovnikov hydration of ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate to ethyl 4‐hydroxycrotonate.     

Formation of Trinuclear Rhodium‐Hydride Complexes [{Rh(PP*)H}3‐ (μ2‐H)3(μ3‐H)][anion]2—During Asymmetric Hydrogenation?

Recently described and fully characterized trinuclear rhodium‐hydride complexes [{Rh(PP*)H}₃(μ₂‐H)₃(μ₃‐H)][anion]₂ have been investigated with respect to their formation and role under the conditions of asymmetric hydrogenation. Catalyst–substrate complexes with mac (methyl (Z)‐ N‐acetylaminocinnamate) ([Rh(tBu‐BisP*)(mac)]BF₄, [Rh(Tangphos)(mac)]BF₄, [Rh(Me‐BPE)(mac)]BF₄, [Rh(DCPE)(mac)]BF₄, [Rh(DCPB)(mac)]BF₄), as well as rhodium‐hydride species, both mono‐([Rh(Tangphos)‐ H₂(MeOH)₂]BF₄, [Rh(Me‐BPE)H₂(MeOH)₂]BF₄), and dinuclear ([{Rh(DCPE)H}₂(μ₂‐H)₃]BF₄, [{Rh(DCPB)H}₂(μ₂‐H)₃]BF₄), are described. A plausible reaction sequence for the formation of the trinuclear rhodium‐hydride complexes is discussed. Evidence is provided that the presence of multinuclear rhodium‐hydride complexes should be taken into account when discussing the mechanism of rhodium‐promoted asymmetric hydrogenation.     

Investigation of the Anodic Behavior of Al in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: BMI‐BF4, PP14‐BF4 and BMI‐BF4·PC

The anodic polarization behavior of Al, Ta and Nb foil was investigated in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (BMI‐BF₄). Compared with that of Ta and Nb foil, it showed that a better passive film was formed on Al foil surface after the anodic polarization in BMI‐BF₄, which could resist the potential up to 94.58 V vs. Ag⁺/Ag. Besides, similar anodic behavior of Al foil was observed in N‐methyl‐N‐butylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (PP14‐BF₄), which indicated that the anodic polarization behavior of Al foil was independent of the cations of RTIL. In addition, the investigation of anodic polarization behavior of Al foil was carried out in the mixture electrolytes composed of BMI‐BF₄·PC. Differently, two breakdown potential processes of Al foil were presented compared to pure BMI‐BF₄. Further research showed that the passive film on Al foil was mainly composed of AlF₃ and Al₂O₃ after the first breakdown potential process, while the fluoride film increased with continual anodic polarization, which improved the anodic stability of Al foil and resisted higher breakdown potential. The high breakdown potential properties of Al foil in BMI‐BF₄, PP14‐BF₄ and the mixture of BMI‐BF₄·PC during the anodic polarization can be favored for R&D of the high performance electrochemical devices.     

Theoretical and experimental investigations of complexation with BF3.Et2O effects on electronic structures,energies and photophysical properties of Anil and tetraphenyl (hydroxyl) imidazol

The novel compounds (E)‐2‐(((4‐hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol, Tetraphenyl (hydroxyl) imidazole and their corresponding Boron difluoride complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Density functional theory calculations at B3LYP‐D3/6–311++G (d, p) level of theory were performed for the geometric parameters. The MEP surface studies were used to understand the behavior of molecules in terms of charge transfer and to determine how these molecules interact. We used the GIAO and the B3LYP‐D3 with a 6–311++ G (d, p) basis set to simulate the (¹H‐NMR and ¹⁹F‐NMR) and the IR spectra, respectively. The corresponding calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugation interaction and charge delocalization were analyzed using NBO analysis. FMOs revealed the occurrence of charge transfer within the molecule. The complexation using BF₃.Et₂O was also found to have remarkable effects on the electrochemical properties of the studied molecules, where (b) and (d) present lower chemical stability, higher reactivity and higher polarizability than (a) and (c), respectively. Moreover, the energy gap of (a) and (c) decreased after complexation using BF₃.Et₂O, indicating the reliability of the electrochemical evaluation of LUMO and HOMO energy levels. These values are the factors explaining the possible charge transfer interaction within the molecule. The absorption and emission spectra of the model compound were also simulated and compared to experimental observations in the DMF solvent. The results of DFT calculations supported the structural and spectroscopic data and confirmed the structure modification of frontier molecular orbitals for BF₂ complexes as well as tunable potentials and energy levels.     

Host–guest‐like thi­amine–anion complexation in thia­minium bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate)

In the title compound, 3‐[(4‐amino‐2‐methyl‐5‐pyrimidin‐1‐io)methyl]‐5‐(2‐hydroxy­ethyl)‐4‐methyl­thia­zolium(2+) bis(tetra­fluoro­borate), C₁₂H₁₈N₄OS²⁺·2BF₄^?, the divalent thia­mine cation (in the F conformation) is associated with BF₄^? anions via two characteristic bridging interactions between the thia­zolium and pyrimidinium rings, i.e. C—H?BF₄^??pyrimidinium and N—H?BF₄^??thia­zolium interactions. Thi­amine mol­ecules are linked by N—H?O hydrogen bonds to form a helical chain structure.     

Difluoroboron Chelation to Quinacridonequinone: A Synthetic Method for Air‐Sensitive 6,13‐Dihydroxyquinacridone via Boron Complexes

This study aims to perform the chelation of difluoroboron (BF₂) to quinacridonequinone (QQ). The resulting dark green solid was determined to be QA‐BF₂, which is a BF₂ complex of 6,13‐dihydroxyquinacridone (QA‐OH), and not QQ‐BF₂, which is a BF₂ complex of QQ. This result indicated that QQ‐BF₂ was first generated as an O,O‐bidentate chelate, which immediately underwent a two‐electron reduction to produce QA‐BF₂. This compound was converted to air‐sensitive QA‐OH by undergoing hydrolysis in argon. Since QA‐OH has a strong electron‐donating property, it easily produced QQ via air oxidation in the solution. QA‐OH also acts as a reducing reagent for quinones. The crystal packing of QA‐OH is a herringbone type with short π???π contacts, and a good hole mobility has been suggested by theoretical calculations. Herein, a new synthetic method from QQ to QA‐OH using BF₂ chelation and hydrolysis was proposed. QA‐BF₂ and QA‐OH are useful organic functional pigments and reducing reagents.     

Metal‐Carbene‐Templated Photochemistry in Solution: A Universal Route towards Cyclobutane Derivatives

A series of dicarbene‐bridged metallacycles [Ag₂( 1 )₂](PF₆)₂, [Ag₂( 2 )₂](BF₄)₂, [Ag₂( 3 )₂](PF₆)₂, [Ag₂( 7 )₂](BF₄)₂, [Ag₂( 8 )₂](BF₄)₂ and [Ag₂( 11 )₂](PF₆)₂ were obtained in high yields via the reactions of 1,2,4‐triazole‐, 1,2,3‐triazole‐ and imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine‐based ligands with Ag₂O in CH₃CN. The C=C double bonds in all of the newly synthesized metallacycles went through [2 + 2] photodimerization under UV irradiation condition (λ = 365 nm, T = 298 K) yielding the dinuclear rctt‐cyclobutane‐silver(I) complexes [Ag₂( 4 )](PF₆)₂, [Ag₂( 5 )](BF₄)₂, [Ag₂( 6 )](PF₆)₂, [Ag₂( 9 )](BF₄)₂, [Ag₂( 10 )](BF₄)₂ and [Ag₂( 12 )](PF₆)₂, respectively with quantitative yields. Treatment of the these cyclobutane‐bridged silver(I) complexes with NH₄Cl resulted in the exclusive formation of cyclobutane derivatives after removal of the silver(I) metal ions.     

Der Einfluß von Phosphoryl‐Substituenten auf die Eigenschaften P‐substituierter 2‐Methylimidazolium‐Ionen und 2‐Methylenimidazoline [1]

The Influence of Phosphoryl Substituents on the Properties of P‐Substituted 2‐Methylimidazolium Ions and 2‐Methyleneimidazolines [1] The imidazolines ImCHP(E)Ph₂ [ 6 , E = S ( a ), Se ( b )] are obtained from ImCHPPh₂ ( 4 ) and sulfur or selenium. HBF₄ reaction yields the corresponding imidazolium salts [ImCH₂P(E)Ph₂][BF₄] [ 5 , E = S ( a ), Se ( b )]. 1, 3, 4, 5‐Tetramethyl‐2‐methylenimidazoline ( 1 , ImCH₂) reacts with Ph₂P(O)Cl to give the corresponding phosphane salt [ImCH₂P(O)Ph₂]Cl ( 7 ) from which the vinyl compound ImCHP(O)Ph₂ ( 8 ) is formed through deprotonation. 8 reacts with excess HBF₄ to give the phosphine oxide BF₃ adduct [ImCH₂P(O)Ph₂ · BF₃][BF₄] ( 9 ). The crystal structures of 5a , 5b , 6b , 7 · CH₂Cl₂ and 9 · H₂O as well as preliminary data of 8 are reported and discussed on comparison with the phosphanes [ImCH₂PPh₂][BF₄] ( 3b ) and ImCHPPh₂ ( 4 ). From structural data, π‐electron delocalisation is concluded for 6b and 8 .     

N,N,N′,N′,N″‐Pentamethyl‐N″‐[(trifluorosilyl)methyl] phosphoric triamide. First example of the existence of intramolecular PO→Si coordination bond in the Si‐containing phosphoric triamides

The N,N,N′,N′,N″‐pentamethyl‐N″‐(trifluorosilylmethyl)phosphoric triamide O?P(NMe₂)₂N(Me) CH₂SiF₃ with intramolecular P?O→Si coordination was formed by the reaction of N,N,N′,N′,N″‐pentamethyl‐N″[(triethoxysilyl)methyl]phosphoric triamide with BF₃·Et₂O. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ruthenium Complexes of an Abnormally Bound,Anionic N‐Heterocyclic Carbene

The abnormally bound, anionic NHC–borane complex [Ru(IDipp‐BF₃)(p‐cymene)Cl]₂ ( 4 ; IDipp‐BF₃=1,3‐(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)₂‐2‐BF₃(C₃HN₂)‐4‐yl) was synthesized by transmetalation from Li[(IDipp‐BF₃)₂Ag]. Addition of donors gave species of the form [Ru(IDipp‐BF₃)(p‐cymene)(L)Cl], whereas halide abstraction with Ag(Et₂O)[B(C₆F₅)₄] gave C?H activation of the methine position of the IDipp?BF₃ ligand.     

The tautomerization and ring closure in the Claisen rearrangement: A DFT study

Elementary processes of the aromatic Claisen rearrangement were investigated by DFT calculations. First, rearrangements of four substrates Ph—O—CH₂—CHCH₂ [A], Ph—O—CH₂—CHCH(OMe) [B], Ph—O—CH₂—CHCH₂····BF₃ [C], and Ph—O—CH—CHCH(OMe)····BF₃ [D] were examined. In these systems, the tautomerization is initiated by the intermolecular proton transfer involving the transient ion‐pair intermediate. An ignition‐propagation chain‐reaction mechanism in the tautomerization was suggested. For [A], the (ortho‐allyl phenol → α‐methyl‐dihydrobenzofuran (α‐methyl‐cumarane)) process was found to be ready and the product of the Claisen rearrangement seems to be the cumarane rather than the phenol. In [D] (activated both by the terminal methoxy group and by the BF₃ catalyst), not the [3,3]‐sigmatropic shift but the tautomerization is the rate determining step. Second, the parent system, Ph—O—CH₂—CHCH₂, was investigated with (H₂O) _n (n = 2, 4, 6, and 10) systematically. The tautomerization takes place by the proton transfer via the water dimer or trimer. Except n = 2, similar changes of Gibbs free energies were obtained from the ether substrate to the cumarane.     

[Ph2P(O)CH2Im][F3B(μ‐OH)BF3]. Erste strukturanalytische Charakterisierung des Hexafluoro(μ‐hydroxo)diborat‐Ions [1]

[Ph₂P(O)CH₂Im][F₃B(μ‐OH)BF₃]. First Structural Characterization of the Hexafluoro(μ‐hydroxo)diborate Ion [1] The hexafluoro(μ‐hydroxo)diborate ion has been isolated as it's Ph₂P(O)CH₂Im salt [Im = 2‐(1, 3, 4, 5‐tetramethylimidazolio)] ( 2 ) through basic hydrolysis of [Ph₂P(OBF₃)CH₂Im]BF₄ ( 1 ). The crystal structure of 2 · CH₂Cl₂ reveals the presence of ion pairs linked by unsymmetrical O‐H‐O hydrogen bonds.     

Partial Molar Volumes and Partial Molar Adiabatic Compressibilities of Fe(III) Tetrafluoroborate Complexes with DMSO, Pyridine, and Pyridine Derivatives

The apparent and limiting apparent molar volumes of dilute aqueous solutions of KBF₄, and the complexes [Fe(DMSO)₆](BF₄)₃, [Fe(Py)₄(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃, [Fe(4-Mepy)₂(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃, and [Fe(4-Etpy)₂(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃ were determined from density data measured at 5, 15, and 25°C. The apparent and limiting apparent molar adiabatic compressibilities of these complexes were determined from ultrasonic sound velocities measured at the same temperatures in dilute aqueous solutions. The volume change associated with complex formation is discussed in terms of the nature of the coordinate bond and also the role of the central metal atom and ligands in the solvation behavior of these complexes.     

Metallkomplexe mit biologisch wichtigen Liganden. CLVII [1] Halbsandwich‐Komplexe mit Isocyanoacetylaminosäureestern und Isocyanoacetyldi‐ und tripeptidestern („Isocyano‐Peptide”︁)

Metal Complexes of Biologically Important Ligands, CLVII [1] Halfsandwich Complexes of Isocyanoacetylamino acid esters and of Isocyanoacetyldi‐ and tripeptide esters (?Isocyanopeptides”?) N‐Isocyanoacetyl‐amino acid esters CNCH₂C(O) NHCH(R)CO₂CH₃ (R = CH₃, CH(CH₃)₂, CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, CH₂C₆H₅) and N‐isocyanoacetyl‐di‐ and tripeptide esters CNCH₂C(O)NHCH(R¹)C(O)NHCH(R²)CO₂C₂H₅ and CNCH₂C(O)NHCH(R¹)C(O)NHCH (R²)C(O)NHCH(R³)CO₂CH₃ (R¹ = R² = R³ = CH₂C₆H₅, R² = H, CH₂C₆H₅) are available by condensation of potassium isocyanoacetate with amino acid esters or peptide esters. These isocyanides form with chloro‐bridged complexes [(arene)M(Cl)(μ‐Cl)]₂ (arene = Cp*, p‐cymene, M = Ir, Rh, Ru) in the presence of Ag[BF₄] or Ag[CF₃SO₃] the cationic halfsandwich complexes [(arene)M(isocyanide)₃]⁺X^? (X = BF₄, CF₃SO₃).     

Extrinsic Heavy Metal Atom Effect on the Solid‐State Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Cyclic Triimidazole

Four coordination compounds [Zn₃(CH₃COO)₆(H₂O)₂](TT)₂ [Cd(H₂O)₆](ClO₄)₂(TT)₂, [Cd(H₂O)₆](BF₄)₂(TT)₂, [Zn(H₂O)₆](BF₄)₂(TT)₂ ( 1 – 4 ) accommodating the crystallization induced emissive triimidazo[1,2‐a:1′,2′‐c:1′′,2′′‐e][1,3,5]triazine ( TT ) as a guest in their crystal lattice are isolated and fully photophysically and structurally characterized. Their emission properties are compared with those of afterglow TT and interpreted taking into account the heavy atom effect and crystal packing similarities and differences. In the case of 1 , due to the closeness of the TT H‐aggregates arrangement with that of the phosphor's pure phase, the observed intensification of the phosphorescent emission at the expense of the prompt one is attributed to the extrinsic heavy atom effect of Zn. In 2 and 3 , the heavier Cd atom is responsible for a decrease in the lifetimes of the afterglow emission, despite the presence of tightly overlapped H‐dimers in the crystal structure. Finally, for 4 , isostructural with 3 , the Zn atom reveals in RTUP lifetime comparable with that of 1 .     

Linking Tribridged Dicopper Complexes with Neutral Dipyridyl Compounds to Coordination Oligomers and Polymers

The stable tribridged dicopper(I) carboxylate complexes [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)]BF₄ (RCO₂ ⁻ = formate (OFc⁻), m1 ; acetate (OAc⁻), m2 ; benzoate (OBAc⁻), m3 ; o‐toluate (O2TAc⁻), m4 ; p‐toluate (O4TAc⁻), m5 ; 4‐phenylbutyrate (O4PBAc⁻), m6 ; 2‐nitrobenzoate (O2NBAc⁻), m7 ), abbreviated as MM, and neutral dipyridyl compounds (NN; NN = 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy), 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa), trans ‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine (tmp)) can form dynamic equilibria in CH₂Cl₂. From the equilibrium mixtures containing MM and NN with MM/NN = 1:1, nine 2:1 oligomers ([( m1 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o1a (BF₄)₂), [( m3 )₂(μ‐bpe)](BF₄)₂ ( o3c (BF₄)₂), [( m3 )₂(μ‐tmp)](BF₄)₂ ( o3d (BF₄)₂), [( m4 )₂(μ‐bpe)](BF₄)₂ ( o4c (BF₄)₂), [( m5 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o5a (BF₄)₂), [( m5 )₂(μ‐tmp)](BF₄)₂ ( o5d (BF₄)₂), [( m6 )₂(μ‐bpa)](BF₄)₂ ( o6b (BF₄)₂), [( m7 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o7a (BF₄)₂), [( m7 )₂(μ‐bpa)](BF₄)₂ ( o7b (BF₄)₂)), one 2:3 oligomer ([{( m2 )(bpy)}₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o2a (BF₄)₂)), and five 1:1 polymers ([( m2 )(μ‐bpe)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p2c (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m2 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p2d (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m3 )(μ‐bpy)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p3a (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m3 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p3d (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m7 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p7d (BF₄ ) _n )) were obtained as single crystals, and their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Both experimental and theoretical results support the presence of two oligomeric species, [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)}₂(μ‐NN)]²⁺ and [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)(NN)}₂(μ‐NN)]²⁺), in dynamic equilibrium. The oligomers (such as o3d (BF₄)₂) can serve as seeds to induce the formation of soluble coordination polymers as crystals (such as p3d (BF₄)_n ).     

Lewis Acids as Mild and Effective Catalysts for the Synthesis of 3,5‐Bis[(hetero)arylidene]piperidin‐4‐ones

The aldol‐crotonic condensation reactions of N‐alkyl‐ and NH‐piperidin‐4‐one derivatives with (hetero)aromatic aldehydes promoted by Lewis acids or bases were examined. This comparative study has revealed three effective catalytic systems based on Lewis acids, i.e., LiClO₄ and MgBr₂ (in the presence of tertiary amine), and BF₃⋅Et₂O, for the synthesis of N‐alkyl‐substituted 3,5‐bis(heteroarylidene)piperidin‐4‐ones, including those bearing acid‐ or base‐labile groups both in the (hetero)aromatic groups and in the alkyl substituent at the N‐atom. The highest reaction rate was observed for LiClO₄‐mediated synthesis. Both MgBr₂‐ and LiClO₄‐mediated syntheses were inefficient in the case of NH‐piperidin‐4‐one, while BF₃⋅Et₂O provided the final compounds in high yields. This catalyst is especially advantageous as it allows simultaneous condensation and deprotection in the case of O‐protected piperidin‐4‐one.     

2,6‐Bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine and its octahedral copper complex

In the tridentate ligand 2,6‐bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine, C₂₃H₁₉N₇, both sets of triazole N atoms are anti with respect to the pyridine N atom, while in the copper complex aqua[2,6‐bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine](pyridine)(tetrafluoroborato)copper(II) tetrafluoroborate, [Cu(BF₄)(C₅H₅N)(C₂₃H₁₉N₇)(H₂O)]BF₄, the triazole N atoms are in the syn–syn conformation. The coordination of the Cu^II atom is distorted octahedral. The ligand structure is stabilized through intermolecular C—H...N interactions, while the crystal structure of the Cu complex is stabilized through water‐ and BF₄‐mediated hydrogen bonds. Photoluminiscence studies of the ligand and complex show that the ligand is fluorescent due to triazole–pyridine conjugation, but that the fluorescence is quenched on complexation.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of liquid water and ice nanoclusters using a new effective HFD‐like model

We have determined a new two‐body interaction potential of water by the inversion of viscosity collision integrals of water vapor and fitted to achieve the Hartree–fock dispersion‐like (HFD‐like) potential function. The calculated two‐body potential generates the thermal conductivity, viscosity, and self‐diffusion coefficient of water vapor in an excellent accordance with experimental data at wide temperature ranges. We have also used a new many‐body potential as a function of temperature and density with the HFD‐like pair‐potential of water to improve the two‐body properties better than the SPC, SPC/E, TIP3P, and TIP4P models. We have also used the new corrected potential to simulate the configurational energy and the melting temperatures of the (H₂O)₅₀₀, (H₂O)₈₆₄, (H₂O)₂₀₄₈, and (H₂O)₆₉₁₂ ice nanoclusters in good agreement with the previous simulation data using the TIP4P model. The extrapolated melting point at the bulk limit is also in better agreement with the experimental bulk data. The self‐diffusion coefficients for the ice nanoclusters also simulated at different temperatures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Wrapping an Organic Reducing Reagent in a Cationic Boron Complex and Its Use in the Synthesis of Polyhalide Monoanionic Networks

The reaction between BF₃ ? OEt₂ and one of two guanidines, 1,8‐bis(tetramethylguanidinyl)naphthalene (btmgn) and 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(tetramethylguanidinyl)naphthalene (ttmgn), yields the salts [(btmgn)(BF₂)]BF₄ and [(ttmgn)(BF₂)₂](BF₄)₂. NMR spectroscopic data show that the boron atoms in the cation and anion exchange in the case of [(ttmgn)(BF₂)₂](BF₄)₂, but not in the case of [(btmgn)(BF₂)]BF₄. The rate constant for this exchange was estimated to be 4 s^?1 at 80 °C for solutions in CH₃CN. These salts were subsequently used for the reduction of dihalides Br₂ or I₂ to give polyhalide salts. We report the synthesis and first complete characterization (including structural analysis) of salts that contain pentabromide monoanions. In these salts, the Br₅^? anions interact to give dimeric units or polymeric chains. Our results are compared to previous quantum chemical calculations on the gas‐phase structure of the Br₅^? anion. The possible pathways that lead to the polyhalides are evaluated. In the case of [(ttmgn)(BF₂)₂](BF₄)₂, reduction is accompanied by ttmgn oxidation, whereas in the case of [(btmgn)(BF₂)]BF₄ reduction is initiated by aromatic substitution.