Acid/Base-Free Acyclic Anionic Oxoborane and Iminoborane Bearing Diboryl Groups

Area of Science:

• Organoboron Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Synthetic Chemistry

Background:

• Anionic oxoboranes and neutral iminoboranes are isoelectronic analogs of ketones and alkynes, respectively.
• These compounds exhibit unique structures and reactivity, making them attractive research targets.
• Limited availability of acid/base-free examples with diverse characteristics hinders further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first synthesis of acyclic, acid/base-free anionic oxoborane and iminoborane.
• To provide readily accessible examples with diverse electronic and steric properties.
• To characterize the electronic structure and bonding of these novel boron compounds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of novel acyclic anionic oxoborane and iminoborane compounds.
• Spectroscopic analysis (e.g., NMR, IR) to confirm structures.
• X-ray crystallography to determine solid-state structures.
• Theoretical calculations (e.g., DFT) to investigate electronic properties and bonding.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of acid/base-free acyclic anionic oxoborane (2) and iminoborane (4).
• Characterization reveals a polarized terminal B═O double bond in oxoborane 2.
• Characterization reveals a central B≡N triple bond in iminoborane 4.
• Compounds possess diverse electronic and steric characteristics due to boryl ligands.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first synthesis of acid/base-free acyclic anionic oxoborane and iminoborane.
• These compounds exhibit unique polarized B═O and B≡N multiple bonds.
• The findings expand the accessibility and diversity of low-coordinate boron compounds for further chemical research.