Synthesis, structure and coordination of the ambiphilic ligand (2-picolyl)BCy2

The new pyridine-borane compound (2-picolyl)BCy2, readily prepared from 2-picolyllithium and ClBCy2, adopts a head-to-tail dimeric structure in the solid state as indicated by X-ray diffraction analysis and according to NMR and DFT studies, the dimeric form equilibrates in solution with a strained monomeric structure; the ambiphilic behavior of the new compound is illustrated by its bridging coordination to the (p-cymene)RuCl2 unit.