Metal-metal redox synergy in selective B-H activation of ortho-carborane-9,12-dithiolate

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Nov 7;50(86):13077-80. doi: 10.1039/c4cc06171c.

Abstract

New o-carborane-9,12-dithiolate dirhodium complexes are reported to selectively activate inert B-H bonds of o-carboranes to form B-X bonds by using water, alcohols, and alkylhalides (<60 °C, yields >80%). Characterization of the key intermediates demonstrates an oxidative addition and reductive elimination pathway via metal-metal cooperativity.