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Direct Boron-10 Access: Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive C(sp2)─10B Coupling Utilizing 10BF3
Chun-Fu Meng1, Bei-Bei Zhang1, Shuai Liu1
1School of Chemical Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new nickel-catalyzed method for directly incorporating boron-10 (10B) into molecules using boron trifluoride (10BF3). This breakthrough simplifies the synthesis of 10B-enriched compounds for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Boron-10 (10B) isotope is essential for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).
- Synthesizing 10B-enriched compounds is difficult due to the strong B─F bonds in available 10BF3.
- Existing methods often require pre-functionalized boron reagents, adding complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a direct method for C(sp2)─10B bond formation using 10BF3.
- To overcome the challenge of strong B─F bonds in 10BF3 for synthetic applications.
- To create an efficient route for diverse 10B-enriched compounds.
Main Methods:
- A nickel-catalyzed reductive protocol was employed.
- Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and a Lewis base were used to generate electrophilic borenium ions in situ.
- Direct C(sp2)─10B bond formation was achieved.
Main Results:
- Successful direct C(sp2)─10B bond formation using 10BF3.
- Elimination of the need for pre-functionalized boron reagents.
- Synthesis of diverse 10B-enriched compounds was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The developed nickel-catalyzed protocol offers an efficient route to 10B-enriched compounds.
- This method simplifies the use of 10BF3 for BNCT applications.
- The synthesized compounds show promise for BNCT and neutron-shielding materials.
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