Synergistic Effects of Lewis Bases and Substituents on the Electronic Structure and Reactivity of Boryl Radicals

Boryl radicals have the potential for the development of new molecular entities and for application in new radical reactions. However, the effects of the substituents and coordinating Lewis bases on the reactivity of boryl radicals are not fully understood. By using first‐principles methods, we investigated the spin‐density distribution and reactivity of a series of boryl radicals with various substituents and Lewis bases. The substituents, along with the Lewis bases, only affect the radical reactivity when an unpaired electron is in the boron p_z orbital, that is, for three‐coordinate radicals. We found evidence of synergistic effects between the substituents and the Lewis bases that can substantially broaden the tunability of the reactivity of the boryl radicals. Among Lewis bases, pyridine and imidazol‐2‐ylidene show a similar capacity for stabilization by delocalizing the spin density. Electron‐donating substituents, such as nitrogen, more efficiently stabilize boryl radicals than oxygen and carbon atoms. The reactivity of a boryl radical is always boron based, irrespective of the spin density on boron.     

Boron Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Alkenes with Pinacolborane: BArF3 Does What B(C6F5)3 Cannot Do!

The transition‐metal‐free hydroboration of various alkenes with pinacolborane (HBpin) initiated by tris[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane (BAr^F₃) is reported. The choice of the boron Lewis acid is crucial as the more prominent boron Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C₆F₅)₃) is reluctant to react. Unlike B(C₆F₅)₃, BAr^F₃ is found to engage in substituent redistribution with HBpin, resulting in the formation of Ar^FBpin and the electron‐deficient diboranes [H₂BAr^F]₂ and [(Ar^F)(H)B(μ‐H)₂BAr^F₂]. These in situ‐generated hydroboranes undergo regioselective hydroboration of styrene derivatives as well as aliphatic alkenes with cis diastereoselectivity. Another ligand metathesis of these adducts with HBpin subsequently affords the corresponding HBpin‐derived anti‐Markovnikov adducts. The reactive hydroboranes are regenerated in this step, thereby closing the catalytic cycle.     

Borane–Lewis Base Complexes as Homolytic Hydrogen Atom Donors

Radical stabilization energies (RSE)s have been calculated for a variety of boryl radicals complexed to Lewis bases at the G3(MP2)‐RAD level of theory. These are referenced to the B? H bond dissociation energy (BDE) in BH₃ determined at W4.3 level. High RSE values (and thus low BDE(B? H) values) have been found for borane complexes of a variety of five‐ and six‐membered ring heterocycles. Variations of RSE values have been correlated with the strength of Lewis acid–Lewis base complex formation at the boryl radical stage. The analysis of charge‐ and spin‐density distributions shows that spin delocalization in the boryl radical complexes constitutes one of the mechanisms of radical stabilization.     

Perfluoroalkylation of Alkenes by Frustrated Lewis Pairs

The activation of perfluoroalkyl iodides by the frustrated Lewis pair tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and tri‐tert‐butylphosphine is described. By abstraction of both a fluorine and an iodine atom, an iodophosphonium fluoroborate salt is formed. In the presence of alkenes the corresponding iodoperfluoroalkylation products are generated regioselectively. First mechanistic investigations support a radical mechanism.     

Esters as Radical Acceptors: β‐NHC‐Borylalkenyl Radicals Induce Lactonization by C−C Bond Formation/Cleavage on Esters

Substituted propargyl acetates are converted into 4‐boryl‐2(5H)‐furanones upon thermolysis in the presence of an N‐heterocyclic carbene borane (NHC‐borane) and di‐tert‐butyl peroxide. The acetyl methyl group is lost during the reaction as methane. Evidence suggests that the reaction proceeds by a sequence of radical events including: 1) addition of an NHC‐boryl radical to the triple bond; 2) cyclization of the resultant β‐borylalkenyl radical to the ester carbonyl group; 3) β‐scission of the so‐formed alkoxy radical to provide the 4‐boryl‐2(5H)‐furanone and a methyl radical; and 4) hydrogen abstraction from the NHC‐borane to return the initial NHC‐boryl radical and methane.     

Highly Electron‐Deficient and Air‐Stable Conjugated Thienylboranes

Introduced herein is a series of conjugated thienylboranes, which are inert to air and moisture, and even resist acids and strong bases. X‐ray analyses reveal a coplanar arrangement of the thiophene rings, an arrangement which facilitates p–π conjugation through the boron atoms despite the presence of highly bulky 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl (Mes*) or 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (^FMes) groups. Short B???F contacts, which lead to a pseudotrigonal bipyramidal geometry in the ^FMes species, have been further studied by DFT and AIM analysis. In contrast to the Mes* groups, the highly electron‐withdrawing ^FMes groups do not diminish the Lewis acidity of boron toward F^? anions. These compounds can be lithiated or iodinated under electrophilic conditions without decomposition, thus offering a promising route to larger conjugated structures with electron‐acceptor character.     

B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines and Related Heteroarenes Using Cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes as a Dihydrogen Source

The strong boron Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, B(C₆F₅)₃, is shown to abstract a hydride from suitably donor‐substituted cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes, eventually releasing dihydrogen. This process is coupled with the FLP‐type (FLP=frustrated Lewis pair) hydrogenation of imines and nitrogen‐containing heteroarenes that are catalyzed by the same Lewis acid. The net reaction is a B(C₆F₅)₃‐catalyzed, i.e., transition‐metal‐free, transfer hydrogenation using easy‐to‐access cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes as reducing agents. Competing reaction pathways with or without the involvement of free dihydrogen are discussed.     

An Intramolecular Silylene Borane Capable of Facile Activation of Small Molecules,Including Metal‐Free Dehydrogenation of Water

The first single‐component N‐heterocyclic silylene borane 1 (LSi‐R‐BMes₂; L=PhC(N^t Bu)₂; R=1,12‐xanthendiyl spacer; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂), acting as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) in small‐molecule activation, can be synthesized in 65 % yields. Its HOMO is largely localized at the silicon(II) atom and the LUMO has mainly boron 2p character. In small‐molecule activation 1 allows access to the intramolecular silanone–borane 3 featuring a Si=O→B interaction through reaction with O₂, N₂O, or CO₂, and formation of silanethione borane 4 from reaction with S₈. The Si^II center in 1 undergoes immediate hydrogenation if exposed to H₂ at 1 atm pressure in benzene, affording the silane borane 5‐H₂ , L(H₂)Si‐R‐BMes₂. Remarkably, no H₂ activation occurs if the single silylene LSiPh and Mes₃B intermolecularly separated are exposed to dihydrogen. Unexpectedly, the pre‐organized Si–B separation in 1 enables a metal‐free dehydrogenation of H₂O to give the silanone–borane 3 as reactive intermediate.     

Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pair with the Smallest Boryl Site: Reversible H2 Addition and Kinetic Analysis

Ansa‐aminoborane 1 (ortho‐TMP? C₆H₄? BH₂; TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperid‐1‐yl), a frustrated Lewis pair with the smallest possible Lewis acidic boryl site (? BH₂), is prepared. Although it is present in quenched forms in solution, and BH₂ represents an acidic site with reduced hydride affinity, 1 reacts with H₂ under mild conditions producing ansa‐ammonium trihydroborate 2 . The thermodynamic and kinetic features as well as the mechanism of this reaction are studied by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, spin‐saturation transfer experiments, and DFT calculations, which provide comprehensive insight into the nature of 1 .     

Formylborane Formation with Frustrated Lewis Pair Templates

Boranes R₂BH react with carbon monoxide by forming the respective borane carbonyl compounds R₂BH(CO). The formation of (C₆F₅)₂BH(CO) derived from the Piers borane, HB(C₆F₅)₂, is a typical example. Subsequent CO‐hydroboration does not take place, since the formation of the formylborane is usually endothermic. However, an “η²‐formylborane” was formed by CO‐hydroboration with the Piers borane at vicinal phosphane/borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) templates. Subsequent treatment with pyridine liberated the intact formylborane from the FLP framework, and (pyridine)(C₆F₅)₂B? CHO was then isolated as a stable compound. This product underwent typical reactions of carbonyl compounds, such as Wittig olefination.     

Hybrid Lewis acid/hydrogen-bond donor receptor for fluoride

[reaction: see text] To verify if hydrogen-bond donor groups can assist fluoride binding at the boron center of triaryl boranes, o-(dimesitylboryl)trifluoroacetanilide has been synthesized. Reaction of this new borane with [n-Bu(4)N][F] in acetone affords the corresponding fluoroborate complex whose stability constant exceeds that of [Mes(3)BF](-) by at least 2 orders of magnitude. Presumably, the higher fluoride affinity of o-(dimesitylboryl)trifluoroacetanilide results from the cooperativity of the Lewis acidic boron center and the hydrogen-bond donor trifluoroacetamide group.     

Synthesis and NMR spectral assignments of indol‐3‐yl pyridines through one‐pot multi‐component reaction

Asimple protocol for the efficient preparation of 6‐(ferrocene‐1‐yl)‐2‐(indol‐3‐yl)pyridine and 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐6‐(2‐thienyl)pyridine derivatives has been achieved through multi‐component reaction, and these compounds were thoroughly characterised by 2D NMR spectral techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reactivity of a Frustrated Lewis Pair and Small‐Molecule Activation by an Isolable Arduengo Carbene?B{3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3}3 Complex

Tris[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane reacts with the sterically demanding Arduengo carbenes 1,3‐di‐tert‐butylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene and 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene to form isolable normal adducts. In the case of 1,3‐di‐tert‐butylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, the adduct exhibits dynamic behaviour in solution and frustrated‐Lewis‐pair (FLP) reactivity. Fast cleavage of dihydrogen and THF, the C? H activation of phenylacetylene, and carbon dioxide fixation were achieved by using solutions of this adduct in benzene. This adduct is stable at room temperature in the absence of suitable substrates; however, thermal rearrangement into an abnormal carbene–borane adduct can be observed. In contrast, the 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene adduct exhibits no evidence of FLP reactivity or of dissociation in solution. DFT calculations confirmed the experimental behaviour and stability of these carbene–borane adducts.     

Aluminium Diphosphamethanides: Hidden Frustrated Lewis Pairs

The synthesis and characterisation of two aluminium diphosphamethanide complexes, [Al(tBu)₂{κ²P,P′‐Mes*PCHPMes*}] ( 3 ) and [Al(C₆F₅)₂{κ²P,P′‐Mes*PCHPMes*}] ( 4 ), and the silylated analogue, Mes*PCHP(SiMe₃)Mes* ( 5 ), are reported. The aluminium complexes feature four‐membered PCPAl core structures consisting of diphosphaallyl ligands. The silylated phosphine 5 was found to be a valuable precursor for the synthesis of 4 as it cleanly reacts with the diaryl aluminium chloride [(C₆F₅)₂AlCl]₂. The aluminium complex 3 reacts with molecular dihydrogen at room temperature under formation of the acyclic σ²λ³,σ³λ³‐diphosphine Mes*PCHP(H)Mes* and the corresponding dialkyl aluminium hydride [tBu₂AlH]₃. Thus, 3 belongs to the family of so‐called hidden frustrated Lewis pairs.     

Reactivity of Lewis Basic Platinum Complexes Towards Fluoroboranes

We herein report detailed investigations into the interaction of Lewis acidic fluoroboranes, for example BF₂Pf (Pf=perfluorophenyl) and BF₂Ar^F (Ar^F=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl), with Lewis basic platinum complexes such as [Pt(PEt₃)₃] and [Pt(PCy₃)₂] (Cy=cyclohexyl). Two presumed Lewis adducts could be identified in solution and corresponding secondary products of these Lewis adducts were characterized in the solid state. Furthermore, the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) was applied to the activation of ethene in the system [Pt(BPf₃)(CH₂CH₂)(dcpp)] (dcpp=1,3‐bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)propane; Pf=perfluorophenyl). Finally, DFT calculations were performed to determine the interaction between the platinum‐centered Lewis bases and the boron‐centered Lewis acids. Additionally, several possible mechanisms for the oxidative addition of the boranes BF₃, BCl_3, and BF₂Ar^F to the model complex [Pt(PMe₃)₂] are presented.     

An Ethylene‐Bridged Phosphane/Borane Frustrated Lewis Pair Featuring the ‐B(Fxyl)2 Lewis Acid Component

Hydroboration of dimesitylvinylphosphane with bis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane [HB(Fxyl)₂] gave the intramolecular ethylene‐bridged P/B frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂PCH₂CH₂B(Fxyl)₂. The new compound underwent a variety of typical FLP reactions such as P/B‐addition to the carbonyl group of p‐chloro‐benzaldehyde. Cooperative N,N‐addition to nitric oxide gave the respective persistent P/B FLPNO^. radical, which readily reacted with 1,4‐cyclohexadiene by H‐atom abstraction to yield the corresponding P/B FLPNOH product. The B(Fxyl)₂‐containing FLP reacted as a template for the HB(C₆F₅)₂ reduction of carbon monoxide to the formyl stage to give the respective FLP(η²‐formylborane) product. Most products were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Enhancing the Acceptor Character of Conjugated Organoborane Macrocycles: A Highly Electron‐Deficient Hexaboracyclophane

We introduce a new boron‐doped cyclophane, the hexabora[1₆]cyclophane B6‐^FMes , in which six tricoordinate borane moieties alternate with short conjugated p‐phenylene linkers. Exocyclic 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (^FMes) groups serve not only to further withdraw electron density but at the same time sterically shield the boron atoms, resulting in a macrocycle that is both highly electron‐deficient and stable. The optical and electronic properties are compared with those of related linear oligomers and the electronic structure is further evaluated by computational methods. The studies uncover unique properties of B6‐^FMes , including a low‐lying and extensively delocalized LUMO and a wide HOMO–LUMO gap, which arise from the combination of a cyclic π‐system, strong electronic communication between the closely spaced borons, and the attachment of electron‐deficient pendent groups. The binding of small anions to the electron‐deficient macrocycle and molecular model compounds is investigated and emissive exciplexes are detected in aromatic solvents.     

Conformational studies on heteroleptic trifluoromethyl‐substituted phenylboranes

Organoboranes carrying electron‐withdrawing substituents are commonly used as Lewis acidic catalysts or cocatalysts in a variety of organic processes. These Lewis acids also became popular through their application in `frustrated Lewis pairs', i.e. combinations of Lewis acids and bases that are unable to fully neutralize each other due to steric or electronic effects. We have determined the crystal and molecular structures of four heteroleptic arylboranes carrying 2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl or mesityl substituents. [3,5‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]bis[2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, C₂₂H₁₁BF₁₂, (I), crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit which show very similar geometric parameters. In one of the two molecules, both trifluoromethyl groups of the 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl substituent are disordered over two positions. In [3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]bis[2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, C₂₄H₉BF₁₈, (II), only one of the two meta‐trifluoromethyl groups is disordered. In [2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]bis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, C₂₄H₉BF₁₈, (III), both meta‐trifluoromethyl groups of only one 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl ring are disordered. [3,5‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]dimesitylborane, C₂₆H₂₅BF₆, (IV), carries only one meta‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted phenyl ring, with one of the two trifluoromethyl groups disordered over two positions. In addition to compounds (I)–(IV), the structure of bis[2,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]fluoroborane, C₁₆H₆BF₁₃, (V), is presented. None of the ortho‐trifluoromethyl groups is disordered in any of the five compounds. In all the structures, the boron centre is in a trigonal planar coordination. Nevertheless, the bond angles around this atom vary according to the bulkiness and mutual repulsion of the substituents of the phenyl rings. Also, the ortho‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted phenyl rings usually show longer B—C bonds and tend to be tilted out of the BC₃ plane by a higher degree than the phenyl rings carrying ortho H atoms. A comparison with related structures corroborates the conclusions regarding the geometric parameters of the boron centre drawn from the five structures in this paper. On the other hand, CF₃ groups in meta positions do not seem to have a marked effect on the geometry involving the boron centre. Furthermore, it has been observed for the structures reported here and those reported previously that for CF₃ groups in ortho positions of the aromatic ring, disorder of the F atoms is less probable than for CF₃ groups in meta or para positions of the ring.     

Nitropyridyl isocyanates in 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions

The reactivity of 3‐nitro‐4‐pyridyl isocyanate ( 7 ) and 5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl isocyanate ( 9 ) in 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions with azides and pyridine N‐oxides has been investigated. 1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition to trimethylsilylazide (TMSA) afforded the respective tetrazolinones, 1‐(3‐nitropyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5(4H)one ( 8 , 50 %) and 1‐(5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐5(4H)one ( 11 , 64 %). Respectively, 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitropyridyl isocyanates 7 and 9 to 3,5‐dimethylpyridine N‐oxide ( 14 ), 3‐methylpyridine N‐oxide ( 21 ) and pyridine N‐oxide ( 22 ) gave the substituted amines, 3,5‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐nitropyridin‐4‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine ( 17 ), 3,5‐dimethyl‐N‐(5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine ( 20 ), N‐(5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine ( 24 ), 5‐methyl‐N‐(5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine ( 23 ) and 3‐methyl‐N‐(5‐nitropyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine ( 25 ) in 65 ‐ 80 % yield, obtained by cycloaddition, rearrangement and decarboxylation. The results demonstrate that the nitropyridyl isocyanates ( 7,9 ) readily undergo 1,3‐dipolar cyloaddition reactions similar to phenyl isocyanates.     

Electron-Deficient Borinic Acid Polymers: Synthesis,Supramolecular Assembly,and Examination as Catalysts in Amide Bond Formation

The Lewis acidic character of borinic-acid-functionalized polymers suggests broad potential applications in supramolecular materials, chemo- and biosensors, as well as supported catalysts. Two highly electron-deficient borinic acid copolymers ( 3 a and 3 b ) with variable steric hindrance at the boron center were prepared by reaction of aryldibromoboranes ArBBr₂ ( 2 , Ar=2,4-Cl₂Ph, 3,5-Cl₂Ph) with a 10 % stannylated polystyrene random copolymer, followed by conversion to the desired PS-B(Ar)OH functionalities. The supramolecular assembly of these polymers through Lewis acid–Lewis base interactions and reversible covalent B−O−B bond formation was investigated. Exposure of a polymer solution of 3 a to pyridine triggered spontaneous gelation, whereas 3 b only gelled upon addition of molecular sieves to favor formation of boroxane crosslinks. The crosslinking process was readily reversed by addition of small amounts of water or wet solvent. The dynamic processes were studied in detail by variable-temperature (VT) NMR by using molecular model compounds. The polymers and their corresponding model compounds were also examined as catalysts in the amide bond formation reaction between phenylacetic acid and benzylamine. The 3,5-dichlorophenyl borinic acid derivatives proved to be the more effective catalysts. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane Lewis acid-catalyzed coupling involves initial acid-induced protodeboronation to release the dichlorophenyl boronic acid as the active catalyst.