Multi-step detection of cyanide ion by a bis(dimesitylboryl)dibenzoazaborine

A bis(dimesitylboryl)dibenzoazaborine formed Lewis acid–base type complexes with up to two cyanide ions in stepwise fashion. The complex formation constants for cyanide ion were larger than those for fluoride ion, despite the higher affinity of fluoride ion to boron atoms than that of cyanide ion.

Bis(dimesitylboryl)dibenzoazaborine 1 reacted with up to two cyanide ions in stepwise fashion to afford the corresponding Lewis acid–base type complexes 2 and 3, which was monitored with UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The complex formation constants against cyanide ion were larger than those against fluoride ion.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide