A study of the sequential acid-catalyzed hydroxylation of dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-)
T Peymann1, C B Knobler, M F Hawthorne
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, USA.
Abstract:
The closo-[B12H12-n(OH)n]2- (n = 1-4) ions have been synthesized by the reaction of cesium dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-), Cs21, with aqueous sulfuric acid. Variation of the reaction temperature, time, and acid concentration results in the stepwise introduction of from one to four hydroxyl groups. Each individual hydroxylation step proceeds regioselectively, affording only one isomer per step. Further substitution of the hydroxylated cluster preferentially takes place at a B-H vertex meta to a B-OH vertex. The closo-[B12H12-n(OH)n]2- (n = 1-4) species, designated 2-5, respectively, are characterized by one- and two-dimensional 11B NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and high-resolution fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry. A rationale that qualitatively explains the influence of the hydroxyl group on the chemical shifts of the individual boron vertices is developed. Furthermore, the solid state structures of closo-[B12H11(OH)]2-, 2, and closo-1,7-[B12H10(OH)2]2-,3, are determined by X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data are as follows: For [MePPh3](2)2, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 890.1(5) pm, b = 1814(1) pm, c = 1270.5(7) pm, beta = 101.66(2) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.055; for [MePPh3](2)3, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 887.6(4) pm, b = 1847.2(8) pm, c = 1271.1(5) pm, beta = 101.17(1) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.065. In addition, synthetic routes to O-derivatized species of the anions 2-5 such as closo-[B12H11(OTiCpCl2)]2-, 7, closo-1,7-[B12H10(OTiCpCl2)2]2-, 8, closo-1,7,9-[B12H9(OTiCpCl2)3]2-, 9, closo-[B12H11(OCONHPh)]2-, 10, and closo-1,7-[B12H10(OSO2Me)2]2-, 11, are described. The crystal structures of 7 and 11 are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data are as follows: For [MePPh3](2)7, monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 2530.5(2) pm, b = 1653.3(1) pm, c = 1281.3(1) pm, beta = 118.79(2) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.085; for [HPy](2)11, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 1550.9(8) pm, b = 993.1(5) pm, c = 1726.5(9) pm, beta = 112.36(2) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.061.
Related Concept Videos
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis
During hydrolysis, the ester is first activated towards nucleophilic attack through the protonation of the carboxyl oxygen atom by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the ester carbonyl carbon more electrophilic. In the next step, water acts as a nucleophile and adds to the...


