Lithiacarboranes and 1,2,4-triazine 4-oxides: S N H reactions and ring transformations

The reactions of 1-lithia-1,2- or 1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane with 1,2,4-triazine 4-oxides can follow two competitive pathways: deoxygenative nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen to form 1-(1,2,4-triazin-5-yl)-1,2- or 1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes and the transformation of the 1,2,4-triazine ring into the triazoline ring giving rise to 1-(2-acetyl-1-aroyl-3-aryl-1,2,4-triazolin-5-yl)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes. Introduction of the electron-withdrawing triazine ring into the carborane cage substantially facilitates deboronation to give 1-(1,2,4-triazin-5-yl)-1,2-1,7-dicarba-nido-undecaboranes.