Inter- and intramolecular radical couplings of ene-ynes or halo-alkenes promoted by an InCl3/MeONa/Ph2SiH2 system

[reaction: see text] An effective generation of indium hydride (HInCl(2)) under nonacidic conditions is achieved by transmetalation between Ph(2)SiH(2) and InCl(2)OMe. The presented system achieves the titled coupling reactions in a radical manner. In particular, the nonacidic character enables the applications to acid-sensitive inter- and intramolecular ene-yne couplings.     

Role of NaBH(4) stabilizer in the oxazaborolidine-catalyzed asymmetric reduction of ketones with BH(3-)THF

When stabilized BH(3-)THF (BTHF) was added to a mixture of ketone and tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1H,3H-pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole (MeCBS-ozaxaborolidine, MeCBS) catalyst 1, low enantioselectivities resulted. Several relative rate experiments showed that a borohydride species in BTHF catalyzed the nonselective borane reduction of ketones, effectively competing with enantioselective MeCBS reduction of ketones, lowering the overall selectivity of the reaction. Improved enantioselectivities in the reaction are obtained by reversing the mode of addition (ketone to BTHF and catalyst), lowering the concentration of NaBH(4) stabilizer in the BTHF solution (87-95% ee) and increasing the concentration or addition rate of BTHF. Decreased reaction temperature and increased catalyst loading only slightly improved the selectivity of the reaction. Upon reaction parameter optimization, simultaneous addition of substrate and BTHF to MeCBS catalyst stabilizer resulted in the highest overall enantioselectivities (96% ee) and diminished the effect of the borohydride. Alternatively, the addition of Lewis acids such as BF(3-)THF to the reaction mixture effectively destroyed the NaBH(4) stabilizer in BTHF solutions, restoring the enantioselectivity to acceptable levels.     

Synthesis and structural diversity of barium (N,N-dimethylamino)diboranates

The reaction of a slurry of BaBr(2) in a minimal amount of tetrahydrofuran (THF) with 2 equiv of Na(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3)) in diethyl ether followed by crystallization from diethyl ether at -20 °C yields crystals of Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(Et(2)O)(2) (1). Drying 1 at room temperature under vacuum gives the partially desolvated analogue Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(Et(2)O)(x) (1') as a free-flowing white solid, where the value of x varies from <0.1 to about 0.4 depending on whether desolvation is carried out with or without heating. The reaction of 1 or 1' with Lewis bases that bind more strongly to barium than diethyl ether results in the formation of new complexes Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(L), where L = 1,2-dimethoxyethane (2), N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (3), 12-crown-4 (4), 18-crown-6 (5), N,N,N',N'-tetraethylethylenediamine (6), and N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethylethylenetriamine (7). Recrystallization of 4 and 5 from THF affords the related compounds Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(12-crown-4)(THF)·THF (4') and Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(18-crown-6)·2THF (5'). In addition, the reaction of BaBr(2) with 2 equiv of Na(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3)) in the presence of diglyme yields Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(2)(diglyme)(2) (8), and the reaction of 1 with 15-crown-5 affords the diadduct [Ba(15-crown-5)(2)][H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3)](2) (9). Finally, the reaction of BaBr(2) with Na(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3)) in THF, followed by the addition of 12-crown-4, affords the unusual salt [Na(12-crown-4)(2)][Ba(H(3)BNMe(2)BH(3))(3)(THF)(2)] (10). All of these complexes have been characterized by IR and (1)H and (11)B NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of compounds 1-3, 4', 5', and 6-10 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. As the steric demand of the Lewis bases increases, the structure changes from polymers to dimers to monomers and then to charge-separated species. Despite the fact that several of the barium complexes are monomeric in the solid state, none is appreciably volatile up to 200 °C at 10(-2) Torr.     

Bulky Amidinate Complexes of Indium(III). Synthesis and Structure of [CyNC((t)Bu)NCy](2)InCl

Reaction of 2 equiv of lithium dicyclohexylacetamidinate with InCl(3) affords the new species In[CyNC(Me)NCy](2)Cl (Cy = cyclohexyl) (1). Compound 1 reacts with MeLi to yield In[CyNC(Me)NCy](2)CH(3) (2) and also reacts with a third equivalent of amidinate to yield In[CyNC(Me)NCy](3) (3). Two new bulky amidinate ligands are prepared by the addition of (t)BuLi to CyN=C=NCy and Me(3)SiN=C=CSiMe(3), respectively. Subsequent reactions with InCl(3) lead to the high-yield syntheses of In[CyNC(CMe(3))NCy](2)Cl (4) and [Me(3)SiN(CMe(3))NSiMe(3)](2)InCl (5). Spectroscopic and elemental analyses confirm the formulas of all of these new species. Compound 4 is further characterized by X-ray crystallography and shown to possess a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry around the metal center with the chloride group in the equatorial position. Crystal data for 4: triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 12.545(7) ?, b = 13.482(8) ?, c = 11.965(6) ?, alpha = 102.08(5) degrees, beta = 92.00(5) degrees, gamma = 64.36(4) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.029, R(w) = 0.045.     

Synthesis and structures of a pentanuclear Al(iii) phosphonate cage, an In(iii) phosphonate polymer, and coordination compounds of the corresponding phosphonate ester with GaI(3) and InCl(3)

A cationic, pentanuclear aluminium phosphonate cage, [L(4)Al(5)Cl(6)(THF)(6)]Cl, 1, supported by (phthalimidomethyl) phosphonate, (L), has been synthesized and characterized. This polynuclear cage features the phosphonate ligand in an unusual coordination mode, supporting five aluminium atoms in two different environments. In comparison, the aqueous reaction of LH(2) with In(ClO(4))(3) afforded [{(LH)In(H(2)O)}(H(2)O)(2)(ClO(4))](n), 2, an indium(iii) phosphonate coordination polymer, that has been crystallographically characterized. Reactions of the corresponding phosphonate ester, diethyl (phthalimidomethyl) phosphonate, (L'), with GaI(3) and InCl(3) afforded the simple coordination complexes, [L'·GaI(3)], 3, and [L'·InCl(3)(THF)], 4.     

Organometallic early lanthanide clusters: syntheses and X-ray structures of new monocyclopentadienyl complexes

The reaction of Ln(BH(4))(3)(THF)(3) or LnCl(3)(THF)(3) with 1 equiv of KCp*' ligand (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)n-Pr) afforded the new monocyclopentadienyl complexes Cp*'LnX(2)(THF)(n) (X = BH(4), Ln = Sm, n = 1, 1a, Ln = Nd, n = 2, 1b; X = Cl, Ln = Sm, n = 1, 3a) and [Cp*'LnX(2)](n') (X = BH(4), n' = 6, Ln = Sm, 2a, Ln = Nd, 2b; X = Cl, Ln = Nd, 4b). All these compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and (1)H NMR. Crystals of mixed borohydrido/chloro-bridged [Cp*'(6)Ln(6)(BH(4))(12-x))Cl(x)(THF)(n')] (x = 10, n' = 4, Ln = Sm, 2a', Ln = Nd, 2b'; x = 5, n = 2, Ln = Sm, 2a' ') were also isolated. Compounds 2a, 2b, 2a', 2b', and 2a' were structurally characterized; they all exhibit a hexameric structure in the solid state containing the [Cp*(3)Ln(3)X(5)(THF)] building block. The easy clustering of THF adducts first isolated is illustrative of the well-known bridging ability of the BH(4) group. Hexameric 2a was found to be unstable in the presence of THF vapors; this may be correlated to the opening of unsymmetrical borohydride bridges observed in the molecular structure.     

Synthesis and molecular and electronic structure of an unusual paramagnetic borohydride complex Mo(NAr)2(PMe3)2(eta2-BH4)

Reaction of Mo(NAr)2Cl2(DME) (Ar=2,6-C6H3iPr2, DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane) with NaBH4 and PMe3 in THF formed the paramagnetic Mo(V) d1 borohydride complex Mo(NAr)2(PMe3)2(eta2-BH4) (1). Compound 1, which was characterized by EPR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, provides a rare example both of a paramagnetic bis(imido) group 6 compound and a structurally characterized molybdenum borohydride complex. Density functional theory calculations were used to determine the electronic structure and bonding parameters of 1 and showed that it is best viewed as a 19 valence electron compound (having a primarily metal-based SOMO) in which the BH4- ligand behaves as a sigma-only, 2-electron donor.     

Nickel(II) hydride and fluoride pincer complexes and their reactivity with Lewis acids BX3·L (X = H, L = thf; X = F, L = Et2O)

Reaction of the pincer hydride complex ((tBu)PCP)Ni(H) [(tBu)PCP = 2,6-C(6)H(3)(CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(2)] with BH(3)·thf in THF at 190 K generates the corresponding borohydride complex ((tBu)PCP)Ni(BH(4)). The kinetically stable (but thermodynamically unstable) species undergoes reversible borane loss. The related fluoride complex ((tBu)PCP)Ni(F) shows the same reactivity towards BF(3)·Et(2)O, producing ((tBu)PCP)Ni(BF(4)) as the main final product. The processes were followed through multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, at the M06//6-31+G(d,p) level of theory.     

Probing Lewis acidity of Y(BH4)3 via its reactions with MBH4 (M = Li, Na, K, NMe4)

High-energy milling of Y(BH(4))(3) (containing LiCl as a by-product, which has not been removed) with MBH(4) (M = Li, Na, K, (CH(3))(4)N) leads to the first two examples of quasi-ternary yttrium borohydrides: KY(BH(4))(4) and (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4), while no chemical reaction is observed for LiBH(4) and NaBH(4). KY(BH(4))(4) is isostructural to NaSc(BH(4))(4) (Cmcm, a = 8.5157(4) ?, b = 12.4979(6) ?, c = 9.6368(5) ?, V = 1025.62(9) ?(3), Z = 4), while (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4) crystallises in primitive orthorhombic cell, similarly to KSc(BH(4))(4) (Pnma, a = 15.0290(10) ?, b = 8.5164(6) ?, c = 12.0811(7) ?, V = 1546.29(17) ?(3), Z = 4). The thermal decomposition of hydrogen-rich KY(BH(4))(4) (8.6 wt.% H) involves the formation of an unidentified intermediate at 200 °C and recovery of KBH(4) at higher temperatures; at 410 °C, KCl and YH(2) are observed. The thermal decomposition of (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4) occurs via two partly overlapping endothermic steps with concomitant emission of H(2) and organic compounds. Heating of a NaBH(4)/Y(BH(4))(3) mixture above 165 °C results in a mixed-cation mixed-anion borohydride, NaY(BH(4))(2)Cl(2), but not NaY(BH(4))(4). The reduced reactivity of Y(BH(4))(3) towards borohydride Lewis bases when compared to hypothetical scandium borohydride can be explained by the lower Lewis acidity of Y(BH(4))(3) than Sc(BH(4))(3).     

Lanthanide and uranium complexes with an SPS-based pincer ligand

Reactions of Ln(BH4)3(THF)n and [Li(Et2O)]SPS(Me)], the lithium salt of an anionic SPS pincer ligand composed of a central hypervalent lambda4-phosphinine ring bearing two ortho-positioned diphenylphosphine sulfide sidearms, led to the monosubstituted compounds [Ln(BH4)2(SPS(Me))(THF)2] [Ln = Ce (1), Nd (2)], while the homoleptic complexes [Ln(SPS(Me))3] [Ln = Ce (3), Nd (4)] were obtained by treatment of LnX3 (X = I, BH4) with [K(Et2O)][SPS(Me)]. The [UX2(SPS(Me))2] complexes [X = Cl (5), BH4 (6)] were isolated from reactions of UX4 and the lithium or potassium salt of the [SPS(Me)]- anion. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.1.5THF, 2.1.5THF, 3.2THF.2Et2O, and 5.4py reveal that the flexible tridentate [SPS(Me)]- anion is bound to the metal as a tertiary phosphine with electronic delocalization within the unsaturated parts of the ligand.     

丙烯／CO交替共聚物还原制备新型手性聚多元醇

手性Pd(Ⅱ)/P-PHOS(S)催化的丙烯/CO交替聚酮通过还原合成了一类新型手性聚多元醇.考察了4种还原剂LiAlH4,NaBH4,BH3·THF和Pd/C加氢对该聚酮的还原作用,其中LiAlH4和NaBH4可将聚酮分子链中羰基完全还原,生成手性交替聚多元醇,BH3·THF只能部分还原聚酮羰基,而Pd/C氢对聚酮没有还原作用.     

Dihaloindium hydride as a novel reducing agent

Dihaloindium hydrides (X2InH) are novel reducing reagents, which act in both an ionic and a radical manner. The hydrides were easily generated from InX3 and Bu3SnH to reduce a variety of functionalities such as aldehydes, ketones, enones, and imines. The combination of a phosphine and Cl2InH accomplished the selective transformation from acid chlorides to aldehydes. One-pot treatment of Cl2InH, enones, and aldehydes achieved reductive aldol reactions, in which the predominant reduction of enones was followed by an aldol reaction between the resulting indium enolates and the remaining aldehydes. It is noteworthy that both anti- and syn-selective aldols were obtained by the use of THF and an aqueous solvent, respectively. The replacement of Bu3SnH with Et3SiH as a hydride source allowed the catalytic use of InBr3 to give the syn-selective aldols. The dehalogenation of alkyl halides was achieved by a catalytic amount of InCl3 in the presence of Bu3SnH. This procedure was applied to some representative cyclizations as radical proof. A simple and non-toxic system, NaBH4/InCl3, also promoted dehalogenation, intramolecular cyclization, and intermolecular coupling reactions. In addition, the Et3SiH/InCl3 system was found applicable to an effective intramolecular cyclization of enynes.     

Scandium and yttrium metallocene borohydride complexes: comparisons of (BH4)1- vs. (BPh4)1- coordination and reactivity

The synthetically accessible borohydride complexes (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln(THF)(BH(4)) (Ln = Sc, Y) were examined as precursors alternative to the heavily-used tetraphenylborate analogs, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln][BPh(4)] and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][BPh(4)], employed in LnA(2)A'/M reduction reactions (A = anion; M = alkali metal) that generate "LnA(2)" reactivity and form reduced dinitrogen complexes [(C(5)R(5))(2)(THF)(x)Ln](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (x = 0, 1). The crystal structures of the yttrium borohydrides, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(3)BH, 1, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(THF)(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 2, were determined for comparison with those of the yttrium tetraphenylborates, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 3, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 4. The complex (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 5, was synthesized and structurally characterized for comparison with (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BH(2), 6, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 7, and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh(3)], 8. Structural information was also obtained on the borohydride derivatives, (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 9, and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sc(μ-H)(2)BC(8)H(14), 10, obtained from 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) and (C(5)Me(4)R)(2)Sc(η(3)-C(3)H(5)), where R = H, 11; Me, 12. The preference of the metals for borohydride over tetraphenylborate binding was shown by the facile displacement of (BPh(4))(1-) in 3, 4, 7, and 8 by (BH(4))(1-) to make the respective borohydride complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6. These results are consistent with the fact that the borohydrides are not as useful as precursors in A(2)LnA'/M reductions of N(2). An unusual structural isomer of [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Sc](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 13', was isolated from this study that shows the variations in ligand orientation that can occur in the solid state.     

Ph2P(BH3)Li: from ditopicity to dual reactivity

A multinuclear NMR study shows that the deprotonation of diphenylphosphine-borane by n-BuLi in THF leads to a disolvated lithium phosphido-borane Ph(2)P(BH(3))Li of which Li(+) is connected to the hydrides on the boron and two THF molecules rather than to the phosphorus. This entity behaves as both a phosphination and a reducing agent, depending on the kinetic or thermodynamic control imposed to the reaction medium. Density functional theory computations show that H(2)P(BH(3))Li exhibits a ditopic character (the lithium cation can be in the vicinity of the hydride or of the phosphorus). It explains its dual reactivity (H- or P-addition), both routes going through somewhat similar six-membered transition states with low activation barriers.     

A hybrid lithium oxalate-phosphinate salt

The novel organophosphorus-containing lithium salt Li(THF)[(C(2)O(4))B(O(2)PPh(2))(2)] (1; THF = tetrahydrofuran) was synthesized and characterized using a variety of spectroscopic techniques. An X-ray structural analysis on crystals of 1 grown from THF reveals a dimeric structure [Li(THF)(C(2)O(4))B(O(2)PPh(2))(2)](2)·THF, whereby the two units of 1 are bridged via P-O···Li interactions. Compound 1 displays high air and water stability and is also thermally robust, properties needed of electrolytes for their possible use as electrolytes and/or additives in lithium-ion battery applications.     

Unsymmetrically substituted 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diboraanthracenes as versatile building blocks for boron-doped π-conjugated systems

The targeted hydrolysis of the 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diboraanthracene adduct (Me(2)S)HB(C(6)H(4))(2)BH(SMe(2)) (1) with 0.5 equiv of H(2)O leads to formation of the borinic acid anhydride [(Me(2)S)HB(C(6)H(4))(2)B](2)O (2) and thereby provides access to the field of unsymmetrically substituted 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diboraanthracenes. Compound 2 reacts with tBuC≡CH to give the corresponding vinyl derivative in an essentially quantitative conversion. Subsequent cleavage of the B-O-B bridge by LiAlH(4) with formation of hydridoborate functionalities is possible but is accompanied by partial B-C(vinyl) bond degradation. This situation changes when the related mesityl derivative [MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)B](2)O (7) is employed, which can be synthesized from BrB(C(6)H(4))(2)BBr (6) by treatment with 1 equiv of MesMgBr and subsequent hydrolysis. The reaction of 7 with LiAlH(4) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) furnishes Li[MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)BH(2)] (8); hydride elimination with Me(3)SiCl leads to formation of the THF adduct MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)BH(THF) (9·THF). Alternatively, 7 can be transformed into the bromoborane MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)BBr (10) by treatment with BBr(3). A Br/H-exchange reaction between 10 and Et(3)SiH yields the donor-free borane MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)BH (9), which forms B-H-B bridged dimers (9)(2) in the solid state. The vinyl borane MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)BC(H)=C(H)Mes (14) is accessible from MesC≡CH and either 9·THF or 9. Compared with the related compound Mes(2)BC(H)=C(H)Mes, the electronic absorption and emission spectra of 14 reveal bathochromic shifts of Δλ(abs)=17 nm and Δλ(em)=74 nm, which can be attributed to the rigid, fully delocalized π framework of the [MesB(C(6)H(4))(2)B] chromophore.     

Reexamination of CeCl3 and InCl3 as activators in the diastereoselective Mukaiyama aldol reaction in aqueous media

A search for suitable reaction conditions in Mukaiyama-type aldol condensations activated by CeCl(3) and InCl(3) revealed that the reaction proceeds best in i-PrOH/H(2)O (95:5). Contrary to literature precedent, no reaction was observed in pure water, and the encountered destruction of the starting silyl enol ether can be ascribed to initial hydrolysis of the Lewis acid. As anticipated from the dual parameter (pK(h), WERC value) characteristics of CeCl(3) and InCl(3), the former proved more efficient as Lewis acid-promoter, in terms of reaction speed and yield. Nevertheless, InCl(3) was a superior catalyst during evaluation of the diastereoselectivity of the process. In this regard, determination of diastereoselectivity as a function of time showed that the InCl(3)-catalyzed reaction is irreversible, whereas the CeCl(3)-catalyzed reaction is a reversible process. In both cases, formation of the syn product is kinetically preferred, although DeltaDeltaG(++)273K(InCl(3)) = 1.50 kcal/mol versus DeltaDeltaG(++)273K (CeCl(3)) = 0.38 kcal/mol. Molecular modeling (semiempirical PM3, ab initio HF/3-21G*, hybrid B3LYP/3-21G*, and B3LYP/LANL2DZ) of the diastereoselective aldol reaction promoted by InCl(3) supports a "closed", Zimmermann-Traxler transition state.     

Synthesis of 2-(3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-alkenyl)-1-pyrrolines and 2-(3-hydroxybutyl)-1-pyrroline using α-lithiated 2-methyl-1-pyrroline

Condensation of 2-methyl-1-pyrroline with chloroacetone or 3-chloro-2-butanone using LDA in THF afforded novel 2-(3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-alkenyl)-1-pyrrolines via a peculiar reaction mechanism instead of the anticipated 2-(3-oxobutyl)-1-pyrrolines. The intermediacy of 2-(2,3-epoxy-2-methylalkyl)-1-pyrrolines in the latter transformation was demonstrated by immediate reductive epoxide ring opening utilizing lithium aluminium hydride in diethyl ether. Furthermore, 2-(3-oxobutyl)-1-pyrroline was prepared via an alternative approach through alkylation of 2-methyl-1-pyrroline with 3-chloro-2-(methoxymethyloxy)-1-propene using LDA in THF, followed by acid hydrolysis. Reduction of 2-(3-oxobutyl)-1-pyrroline by sodium borohydride in methanol afforded the corresponding 2-(3-hydroxybutyl)-1-pyrroline in good yield.     

Coupling of coordinated 2-iminophosphorano-1-phosphaallyl leading to bridged iminophosphoranato complexes of zirconium and hafnium

Reaction of MCl4 (M = Zr, Hf) with 2 equiv of 2-iminophosphorano-1-phosphaallyl lithium [Li[P(Ph)C(=CHPh)P(Me)2=NSiMe3](THF)1.5] (1) affords ligand coupling complexes 3 and 4, respectively, while similar treatment of ZrCl4 with [Li[P(Ph)C(=C(SiMe2Bu(t))Ph)P(Me)2=NSiMe3](THF)2] (2) yields ligand transfer complex 5.     

Synthesis and characterization of methylammonium borohydride

A new borohydride, [CH(3)NH(3)](+)[BH(4)](-), has been synthesized through the metathesis of CH(3)NH(3)F and NaBH(4) in methylamine. Room-temperature X-ray diffraction studies have shown that [CH(3)NH(3)](+)[BH(4)](-) adopts a tetragonal unit cell with considerable hydrogen mobility similar to that observed in NH(3)BH(3). The kinetics and thermodynamics of hydrogen release have been investigated and were found to follow a similar pathway to that of [NH(4)](+)[BH(4)](-). Decomposition of [CH(3)NH(3)](+)[BH(4)](-) occurred slowly at room temperature and rapidly at ca. 40 °C to form [BH(2)(CH(3)NH(2))(2)](+)[BH(4)](-), the methylated analogue of the diammoniate of diborane. The decomposition has been investigated by means of in situ X-ray diffraction and solid state (11)B NMR spectroscopy and occurred in the absence of any detectable intermediates to form crystalline [BH(2)(CH(3)NH(2))(2)](+)[BH(4)](-). [(CH(3))(2)NH(2)](+)[BH(4)](-) and [BH(2){(CH(3))(2)NH}(2)](+)[BH(4)](-) have also been synthesized through analogous routes, indicating a more general applicability of the synthetic method.