Silver‐Free Activation of Ligated Gold(I) Chlorides: The Use of [Me3NB12Cl11]− as a Weakly Coordinating Anion in Homogeneous Gold Catalysis

Phosphane and N‐heterocyclic carbene ligated gold(I) chlorides can be effectively activated by Na[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁] ( 1 ) under silver‐free conditions. This activation method with a weakly coordinating closo‐dodecaborate anion was shown to be suitable for a large variety of reactions known to be catalyzed by homogeneous gold species, ranging from carbocyclizations to heterocyclizations. Additionally, the capability of 1 in a previously unknown conversion of 5‐silyloxy‐1,6‐allenynes was demonstrated.     

Silver Salts of the Weakly Coordinating Anion [Me3NB12Cl11]–

Silver(I) salts of weakly coordinating anions (WCA) are commonly applied as oxidizing agents or halide abstracting reagents. The feasibility of a particular silver salt for such applications strongly depends on the “nakedness“ of the silver cation. In this study the reactivity of Ag[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁] in different solvents was investigated. Crystal structures of a variety of complexes were obtained. In several crystal structures two boron clusters are bridged by Ag–Cl contacts. This leads to polymeric structures (e.g. for Ag[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]·0.5CH₂Cl₂ and Ag[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]·SO₂). Sterically demanding aromatics like mesitylene, pyrene, and acenaphthene are η¹‐ or η²‐bonded to the silver atom and also form coordination polymers, whereas benzene as a ligand leads to a molecular structure, in which two benzene molecules are η²‐coordinated to the silver cation. In contrast, strong σ donor ligands like pyridine and triphenylphosphine give homoleptic silver complexes and thus cation and anion are separated. Furthermore, the ability of Ag[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁] for performing metathesis reactions was investigated. The reaction with Au^ICl gave the [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ cation.     

Difunctionalized {closo‐1‐CB11} Clusters: 1‐ and 2‐Amino‐12‐ethynylcarba‐closo‐dodecaborates

Carba‐closo‐dodecaborate anions with two functional groups have been synthesized via a simple two‐step procedure starting from monoamino‐functionalized {closo‐1‐CB₁₁} clusters. Iodination at the antipodal boron atom provided access to [1‐H₂N‐12‐I‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? ( 1 a ) and [2‐H₂N‐12‐I‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? ( 2 a ), which have been transformed into the anions [1‐H₂N‐12‐RC?C‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? (R=H ( 1 b ), Ph ( 1 c ), Et₃Si ( 1 d )) and [2‐H₂N‐12‐RC?C‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? (R=H ( 2 b ), Ph ( 2 c ), Et₃Si ( 2 d )) by microwave‐assisted Kumada‐type cross‐coupling reactions. The syntheses of the inner salts 1‐Me₃N‐12‐RC?C‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (R=H ( 1 e ), Et₃Si ( 1 f )) and 2‐Me₃N‐12‐RC?C‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (R=H ( 2 e ), Et₃Si ( 2 f )) are the first examples for a further derivatization of the new anions. All {closo‐1‐CB₁₁} clusters have been characterized by multinuclear NMR and vibrational spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of Cs 1 a , [Et₄N] 2 a , K 1 b , [Et₄N] 1 c , [Et₄N] 2 c , 1 e , and [Et₄N][1‐H₂N‐2‐F‐12‐I‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₉]?0.5 H₂O ([Et₄N ]4 a ?0.5 H₂O) have been determined. Experimental spectroscopic data and especially spectroscopic data and bond properties derived from DFT calculations provide some information on the importance of inductive and resonance‐type effects for the transfer of electronic effects through the {closo‐1‐CB₁₁} cage.     

1‐Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate [OB11H12]− from the Controlled Oxidation of the closo‐Borates [B11H11]2− and [B12H12]2−

The closo‐dodecaborate [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? is degraded at room temperature by oxygen in an acidic aqueous solution in the course of several weeks to give B(OH)₃. The degradation is induced by Ag²⁺ ions, generated from Ag⁺ by the action of H₂S₂O₈. Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate(1?) is an intermediate anion, that can be separated from the reaction mixture as [NBzlEt₃][OB₁₁H₁₂] after five days in a yield of 18 %. The action of FeCl₃ on the closo‐undecaborate [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? in an aqueous solution gives either [B₂₂H₂₂]^2? (by fusion) or nido‐B₁₁H₁₃(OH)^? (by protonation and hydration), depending on the concentration of FeCl₃. In acetonitrile, however, [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? is transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by Fe³⁺ and oxygen. The radical anions [B₁₂H₁₂] ^{˙ ?} and [B₁₁H₁₁] ^{˙ ?} are assumed to be the primary products of the oxidation with the one‐electron oxidants Ag²⁺ and Fe³⁺, respectively. These radical anions are subsequently transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by oxygen. The crystal structure analysis shows that the structure of [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? is derived from the hypothetical closo‐oxaborane OB₁₂H₁₂ by removal of the B3 vertex, leaving a non‐planar pentagonal aperture with a three‐coordinate O vertex, as predicted by NMR spectra and theory.     

Towards a Molecular Understanding of Cation–Anion Interactions—Probing the Electronic Structure of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids by NMR Spectroscopy,X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculations

Ten [C₈C₁Im]⁺ (1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium)‐based ionic liquids with anions Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, [NO₃]^?, [BF₄]^?, [TfO]^?, [PF₆]^?, [Tf₂N]^?, [Pf₂N]^?, and [FAP]^? (TfO=trifluoromethylsulfonate, Tf₂N=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, Pf₂N=bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, FAP=tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate) and two [C₈C₁C₁Im]⁺ (1,2‐dimethyl‐3‐octylimidazolium)‐based ionic liquids with anions Br^? and [Tf₂N]^? were investigated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. While ¹H NMR spectroscopy is found to probe very specifically the strongest hydrogen‐bond interaction between the hydrogen attached to the C² position and the anion, a comparative XPS study provides first direct experimental evidence for cation–anion charge‐transfer phenomena in ionic liquids as a function of the ionic liquid’s anion. These charge‐transfer effects are found to be surprisingly similar for [C₈C₁Im]⁺ and [C₈C₁C₁Im]⁺ salts of the same anion, which in combination with theoretical calculations leads to the conclusion that hydrogen bonding and charge transfer occur independently from each other, but are both more pronounced for small and more strongly coordinating anions, and are greatly reduced in the case of large and weakly coordinating anions.     

Dodecahydro‐nido‐undecaborate [B11H12]3–

The deprotonation of the nido‐anion [B₁₁H₁₄]^– by two equivalents of LitBu yields the anion [B₁₁H₁₂]^3–. Three observed ¹¹B NMR shifts of this anion in the ratio 1 : 5 : 5 are in agreement with shifts calculated by the GIAO method on the basis of the ab initio computed geometry. The deprotonation can be reversed, giving back [B₁₁H₁₄]^– via [B₁₁H₁₃]^2–. The thermolysis of [Li(thp)_x]₃[B₁₁H₁₂] in thp at 80 °C leads to the closo‐borate [Li(thp)₃]₂[B₁₁H₁₁] under elimination of LiH. Anhydrous air transforms [B₁₁H₁₂]^3– into the known oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate [OB₁₁H₁₂]^–. The rhoda‐closo‐dodecaborate [L₂RhB₁₁H₁₁]^3– is formed from [B₁₁H₁₂]^3– and RhL₃Cl (L = PPh₃).     

Activation of CS2 and CO2 by Silylium Cations

The hydride-bridged silylium cation [Et₃Si−H−SiEt₃]⁺, stabilized by the weakly coordinating [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]⁻ anion, undergoes, in the presence of excess silane, a series of unexpected consecutive reactions with the valence-isoelectronic molecules CS₂ and CO₂. The final products of the reaction with CS₂ are methane and the previously unknown [(Et₃Si)₃S]⁺ cation. To gain insight into the entire reaction cascade, numerous experiments with varying conditions were performed, intermediate products were intercepted, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Besides the [(Et₃Si)₃S]⁺ cation as the final product, crystal structures of [(Et₃Si)₂SMe]⁺, [Et₃SiS(H)Me]⁺, and [Et₃SiOC(H)OSiEt₃]⁺ were obtained. Experimental results combined with supporting quantum-chemical calculations in the gas phase and solution allow a detailed understanding of the reaction cascade.     

Azametalla-closo-dodecaboranes

The azaborate K₂[nido-NB₁₀H₁₁] is gained from nido-NB₁₀H₁₃ and K[BHEt₃] in a 1:2 ratio. The anion [NB₁₀H₁₁]^2?, which is isoelectronic with [C₂B₉H₁₁]^2?, reacts with [{η⁶-(C₆R₆) · RuCl₂}₂] (R = H, Me), [{η⁵-(C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂], or [Ni(PPh₃)₂Cl₂] to give the azametalla-closo-dodecaboranes MNB₁₀H₁₁ with M = (C₆Me₆)Ru ( 2 ), (C₆H₆)Ru ( 3 ), (C₅Me₅)Rh ( 4 ), and (Ph₃P)₂Ni ( 5 ), respectively. The azametallaborane K[Co(NB₁₀H₁₁)₂] ( 6 ), which contains a sandwich-type coordinated Co atom, is formed from K₂[NB₁₀H₁₁] and CoCl₂. The structure of 2 · CH₂Cl₂ was determined by X-ray diffraction. The products 2 – 6 can be derived from the icosahedral anion [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? on replacing a BH^2? moiety by the isoelectronic nitrene NH and a BH moiety by the isolobal metal-complex fragment M. The N atom is six-coordinated in the cluster skeletons 2 – 6 .     

Anionic Gold(I) Complexes—Twelve‐ and Ten‐Vertex Monocarba‐closo‐borate Anions with Carbon–Gold σ Bonds

The anionic gold(I) complexes [1‐(Ph₃PAu)‐closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₁]^? ( 1 ), [1‐(Ph₃PAu)‐closo‐1‐CB₉H₉]^? ( 2 ), and [2‐(Ph₃PAu)‐closo‐2‐CB₉H₉]^? ( 3 ) with gold–carbon 2c–2e σ bonds have been prepared from [AuCl(PPh₃)] and the respective carba‐closo‐borate dianion. The anions have been isolated as their Cs⁺ salts and the corresponding [Et₄N]⁺ salts were obtained by salt metathesis reactions. The salt Cs‐ 3 isomerizes in the solid state and in solution at elevated temperatures to Cs‐ 2 with ΔH_iso=(?75±5) kJ mol^?1 (solid state) and ΔH^≠=(118±10) kJ mol^?1 (solution). The compounds were characterized by vibrational and multi‐NMR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal structures of [Et₄N]‐ 1 , [Et₄N]‐ 2 , and [Et₄N]‐ 3 were determined. The bonding parameters, NMR chemical shifts, and the isomerization enthalpy of Cs‐ 3 to Cs‐ 2 are compared to theoretical data.     

Functionalization of closo‐Borates via Iodonium Zwitterions

A simple method for the functionalization of closo‐borates [closo‐B₁₀H₁₀]^2? ( 1 ), [closo‐1‐CB₉H₁₀]^? ( 2 ), [closo‐B₁₂H₁₂]^2? ( 3 ), [closo‐1‐CB₁₁H₁₂]^? ( 4 ), and [3,3′‐Co(1,2‐C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^? ( 5 ) is described. Treatment of the anions and their derivatives with ArI(OAc)₂ gave aryliodonium zwitterions, which were sufficiently stable for chromatographic purification. The reactions of these zwitterions with nucleophiles provided facile access to pyridinium, sulfonium, thiol, carbonitrile, acetoxy, and amino derivatives. The synthetic results are augmented by mechanistic considerations.     

Fine‐Tuning of Lewis Acidity: The Case of Borenium Hydride Complexes Derived from Bis(phosphinimino)amide Boron Precursors

Reactions of bis(phosphinimino)amines LH and L′H with Me₂S ? BH₂Cl afforded chloroborane complexes LBHCl ( 1 ) and L′BHCl ( 2 ), and the reaction of L′H with BH₃ ? Me₂S gave a dihydridoborane complex L′BH₂ ( 3 ) (LH=[{(2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂N)P(Ph₂)}₂N]H and L′H=[{(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃N)P(Ph₂)}₂N]H). Furthermore, abstraction of a hydride ion from L′BH₂ ( 3 ) and LBH₂ ( 4 ) mediated by Lewis acid B(C₆F₅)₃ or the weakly coordinating ion pair [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] smoothly yielded a series of borenium hydride cations: [L′BH]⁺[HB(C₆F₅)₃]^? ( 5 ), [L′BH]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? ( 6 ), [LBH]⁺[HB(C₆F₅)₃]^? ( 7 ), and [LBH]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? ( 8 ). Synthesis of a chloroborenium species [LBCl]⁺[BCl₄]^? ( 9 ) without involvement of a weakly coordinating anion was also demonstrated from a reaction of LBH₂ ( 4 ) with three equivalents of BCl₃. It is clear from this study that the sterically bulky strong donor bis(phosphinimino)amide ligand plays a crucial role in facilitating the synthesis and stabilization of these three‐coordinated cationic species of boron. Therefore, the present synthetic approach is not dependent on the requirement of weakly coordinating anions; even simple BCl₄^? can act as a counteranion with borenium cations. The high Lewis acidity of the boron atom in complex 8 enables the formation of an adduct with 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), [LBH ? (DMAP)]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? ( 10 ). The solid‐state structures of complexes 1 , 5 , and 9 were investigated by means of single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis.     

Stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate: A New Ligand in Coordination Chemistry

Most of the divalent compounds of tin have a lone pair and hence can act as donors. In tin‐transition metal chemistry neutral molecules as well as anions have been studied as ligands. This research report summarizes recent research on coordination compounds with a closo‐heteroborate cage compound stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate [SnB₁₁H₁₁]^2?. The syntheses of the first coordination compounds and studies on the ligand abilities of this tin borate are discussed in this article.     

Cs[Cl3F10]: A Propeller‐Shaped [Cl3F10]− Anion in a Peculiar A[5]B[5] Structure Type

Reaction of CsF with ClF₃ leads to Cs[Cl₃F₁₀]. It contains a molecular, propeller‐shaped [Cl₃F₁₀]^? anion with a central μ₃‐F atom and three T‐shaped ClF₃ molecules coordinated to it. This anion represents the first example of a heteropolyhalide anion of higher ClF₃ content than [ClF₄]^? and is the first Cl‐containing interhalogen species with a μ‐bridging F atom. The chemical bonds to the central μ₃‐F atom are highly ionic and quite weak as the bond lengths within the coordinating XF₃ units (X = Cl, and also calculated for Br, I) are almost unchanged in comparison to free XF₃ molecules. Cs[Cl₃F₁₀] crystallizes in a very rarely observed A^[5]B^[5] structure type, where cations and anions are each pseudohexagonally close packed, and reside, each with coordination number five, in the trigonal bipyramidal voids of the other.     

From Weakly Coordinating to Non‐Coordinating Anions? A Simple Preparation of the Silver Salt of the Least Coordinating Anion and Its Application To Determine the Ground State Structure of the Ag(η2‐P4)2+ Cation

The unexpected but facile preparation of the silver salt of the least coordinating [(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? anion (R=C(CF₃)₃) by reaction of Ag[Al(OR)₄] with one equivalent of PCl₃ is described. The mechanism of the formation of Ag[(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃] is explained based on the available experimental data as well as on quantum chemical calculations with the inclusion of entropy and COSMO solvation enthalpies. The crystal structures of (RO)₃Al←OC₄H₈, Cs⁺[(RO)₂(Me)Al‐F‐Al(Me)(OR)₂]^?, Ag(CH₂Cl₂)₃⁺[(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? and Ag(η²‐P₄)₂⁺[(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? are described. From the collected data it will be shown that the [(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? anion is the least coordinating anion currently known. With respect to the fluoride ion affinity of two parent Lewis acids Al(OR)₃ of 685 kJ mol^?1, the ligand affinity (441 kJ mol^?1), the proton and copper decomposition reactions (?983 and ?297 kJ mol^?1) as well as HOMO level and HOMO–LUMO gap and in comparison with [Sb₄F₂₁]^?, [Sb(OTeF₅)₆]^?, [Al(OR)₄]^? as well as [B(R^F)₄]^? (R^F=CF₃ or C₆F₅) the [(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? anion is among the best weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) according to each value. In contrast to most of the other cited anions, the [(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃] anion is available by a simple preparation in conventional inorganic laboratories. The least coordinating character of this anion was employed to clarify the question of the ground state geometry of the Ag(η²‐P₄)₂⁺ cation (D_2h, D₂ or D_2d?). In agreement with computational data and NMR spectra it could be shown that the rotation along the Ag‐(P‐P‐centroid) vector has no barrier and that the structure adopted in the solid state depends on packing effects which lead to an almost D_2h symmetric Ag(η²‐P₄)₂⁺ cation (0 to 10.6° torsion) for the more symmetrical [Al(OR)₄]^? anion, but to a D₂ symmetric Ag(η²‐P₄)₂⁺ cation with a 44° twist angle of the two AgP₂ planes for the less symmetrical [(RO)₃Al‐F‐Al(OR)₃]^? anion. This implies that silver back bonding, suggested by quantum chemical population analyses to be of importance, is only weak.     

Homoleptic Gold Acetonitrile Complexes with Medium to Very Weakly Coordinating Counterions: Effect on Aurophilicity?

A series of gold acetonitrile complexes [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[WCA]^? with weakly coordinating counterions (WCAs) was synthesized by the reaction of elemental gold and nitrosyl salts [NO]⁺[WCA]^? in acetonitrile ([WCA]^? = [GaCl₄]^?, [B(CF₃)₄]^?, [Al(OR^F)₄]^?; R^F = C(CF₃)₃). In the crystal structures, the [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ units appeared as monomers, dimers, or chains. A clear correlation between the aurophilicity and the coordinating ability of counterions was observed, with more strongly coordinating WCAs leading to stronger aurophilic contacts (distances, C?N stretching frequencies of [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ units). An attempt to prepare [Au(L)₂]⁺ units, even with less weakly basic solvents like CH₂Cl₂, led to decomposition of the [Al(OR^F)₄]^? anion and formation of [NO(CH₂Cl₂)₂]⁺[F(Al(OR^F)₃)₂]^?. All nitrosyl reagents [NO]⁺[WCA]^? were generated according to an optimized procedure and were thoroughly characterized by Raman and NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the to date unknown species [NO]⁺[B(CF₃)₃CN]^? was prepared. Its reaction with gold unexpectedly produced [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[Au(NCB(CF₃)₃)₂]^?, in which the cyanoborate counterion acts as an anionic ligand itself. Interestingly, the auroborate anion [Au(NCB(CF₃)₃)₂]^? behaves as a weakly coordinating counterion, which becomes evident from the crystallographic data and the vibrational spectral characteristics of the [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺ cation in this complex. Ligand exchange in the only room temperature stable salt of this series, [Au(NCMe)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?, is facile and, for example, [Au(PPh₃)(NCMe)]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? can be selectively generated. This reactivity opens the possibility to generate various [AuL¹L²]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts through consecutive ligand‐exchange reactions that offer access to a huge variety of Au^I complexes for gold catalysis.     

Das Lanthan‐Dodekahydro‐closo‐Dodekaborat‐Hydrat [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O und sein Oxonium‐Chlorid‐Derivat [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2O

The Lanthanum Dodecahydro‐closo‐Dodecaborate Hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O and its Oxonium‐Chloride Derivative [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O By neutralization of an aqueous solution of the free acid (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with basic La₂O₃ and after isothermic evaporation colourless, face‐rich single crystals of a water‐rich lanthanum(III) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O are isolated. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal system with the centrosymmetric space group (a = 1189.95(2), c = 7313.27(9) pm, c/a = 6.146; Z = 6; measuring temperature: 100 K). The crystal structure of [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O can be characterized by two of each other independent, one into another posed motives of lattice components. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions (d(B–B) = 177–179 pm; d(B–H) = 105–116 pm) are arranged according to the samarium structure, while the La³⁺ cations are arranged according to the copper structure. The lanthanum cations are coordinated in first sphere by nine oxygen atoms from water molecules in form of a threecapped trigonal prism (d(La–O) = 251–262 pm). A coordinative influence of the [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions on La³⁺ has not been determined. Since “zeolitic” water of hydratation is also present, obviously the classical H–O^δ–···^+δH–O‐hydrogen bonds play a significant role in the stabilization of the crystal structure. During the conversion of an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with lanthanum trichloride an anion‐mixed salt with the composition [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O is obtained. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal system with the non‐centrosymmetric space group (a = 808.84(3), c = 2064.51(8) pm, c/a = 2.552; Z = 2; measuring temperature: 293 K). The crystal structure can be characterized as a layer‐like structure, in which [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions and H₃O⁺ cations alternate with layers of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ cations (d(La–O) = 252–260 pm) and Cl⁻ anions along [001]. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ (d(B–B) = 176–179 pm; d(B–H) = 104–113 pm) and Cl⁻ anions exhibit no coordinative influence on La³⁺. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the H₃O⁺ cations and [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions, also between the water molecules of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ and Cl⁻ anions, which contribute to the stabilization of the crystal structure.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 2‐Mono‐ and 1,2‐Diaminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates M[1‐R‐2‐H2N‐closo‐CB11H10] (R=H,Ph, H2N,CyHN)

The first primary 2‐aminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates [1‐R‐2‐H₂N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? (R=H ( 1 ), Ph ( 2 )) have been synthesized by insertion reactions of (Me₃Si)₂NBCl₂ into the trianions [7‐R‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₀]^3?. The difunctionalized species [1,2‐(H₂N)₂‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀] ( 3 ) and 1‐CyHN‐2‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H‐ 4 ) have been prepared analogously from (Me₃Si)₂NBCl₂ and 7‐H₃N‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₂. In addition, the preparation of [Et₄N][1‐H₂N‐2‐Ph‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀] ([Et₄N]‐ 5 ) starting from PhBCl₂ and 7‐H₃N‐7‐nido‐CB₁₀H₁₂ is described. Methylation of the [1‐Ph‐2‐H₂N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀]^? ion ( 2 ) to produce 1‐Ph‐2‐Me₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ ( 6 ) is reported. The crystal structures of [Et₄N]‐ 2 , [Et₄N]‐ 5 , and 6 were determined and the geometric parameters were compared to theoretical values derived from DFT and ab initio calculations. All new compounds were studied by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, MALDI mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The discussion of the experimental NMR chemical shifts and of selected vibrational band positions is supported by theoretical data. The thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The pK_a values of 2‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₁ (H‐ 1 ), 1‐H₃N‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H‐ 7 ), and 1,2‐(H₃N)₂‐closo‐CB₁₁H₁₀ (H₂‐ 3 ) were determined by potentiometric titration and by NMR studies. The experimental results are compared to theoretical data (DFT and ab initio). The basicities of the aminocarba‐closo‐dodecaborates agree well with the spectroscopic and structural properties.     

A Highly Hexane Soluble Lithium Salt and other Starting Materials of the Fluorinated Weakly Coordinating Anion [Al{OC(CF3)2(CH2SiMe3)}4]−

The lithium salt of the weakly coordinating alkoxyaluminate anion Li[Al(OC(CF₃)₂(CH₂SiMe₃))₄] ( 2 ) is soluble in polar and even in non‐polar solvents. Especially the solubility in n‐hexane confirms 2 to be an excellent candidate for Li ion catalysis. Its polymeric structure consists of a seven coordinated Li⁺ cation, coordinating a [Al(OC(CF₃)₂(CH₂SiMe₃)]^? anion that serves as hexadentate O₂F₄ ligand and a further bridging F atom of a second anion. Compound 2 reacts with ClCPh₃ giving the [CPh₃]⁺ salt which is at least stable in CD₂Cl₂ over days at 298 K, but decomposes after storage at 333 K for several days.     

Synthesis of novel derivatives of closo‐dodecaborate anion with azido group at the terminal position of the spacer

Two novel azido‐derivatives of closo‐dodecaborate anion with hydrophobic and hydrophilic spacers were prepared by reaction of tetrabutylammonium azide with cyclic oxonium derivatives of the closo‐dodecaborate anion. The compounds prepared can be regarded as precursors of derivatives of closo‐dodecaborate anion with amino group at the terminal position of a spacer or as building blocks for ‘click chemistry’, which are useful for preparation of various conjugates with targeting molecules. A concentration dependence of the ¹¹B NMR spectra of functionalized derivatives of closo‐dodecaborate anion was discovered, which is of great importance for analytical purposes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A 3D Analogue of Phenyllithium: Solution‐Phase,Solid‐State,and Computational Study of the Lithiacarborane [Li−CB11H11]−

The lithiacarborane [Li?CB₁₁H₁₁]^? plays a central role in carborane chemistry, as it is a key intermediate to achieve the selective functionalization of the monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate [CB₁₁H₁₂]^? for applications in various fields. Also, it is an organometallic species of fundamental interest because it represents a 3D analogue of phenyllithium featuring an exo C?Li bond in addition to the delocalized negative endo charge of the spherical cluster. For the first time, the elusive and highly reactive endo/exo formal dianion [CB₁₁H₁₁]^2? has been isolated as its lithiate as well as zincate in pure form and fully characterized. DFT calculations corroborate the experimental findings and underscore the remarkably high reactivity of the lithiacarborane. Subsequent derivatizations demonstrate the relevance of its initial clean formation.