Boron clusters-based metallodendrimers

•Metal-containing star-shaped molecules and dendrimers functionalized with boron clusters are described. PAMAM, carbosilane or aryl-ether dendrimers are used as platform to covalently attach the boron clusters. • For metallacarboranes-containing dendrimers, the UV-vis is useful to confirm the total functionalization. • The photoluminescence, redox and thermal properties of these metallodendrimers are reported. • Most of these compounds has been proposed as highly promising boron delivery agents for the BNCT.

This review includes a compilation of different types of star-shaped molecules and dendrimers decorated with boron clusters, carboranes or metallacarboranes, at their periphery. Dendrimeric platforms, such as PAMAM, carbosilane, poly(aryl-ether), among others, have been functionalized with a different number of small metallacarboranes, nido-carboranes or cobaltabisdicarbollide clusters following diverse methodologies. In general, all these structures are high-boron content molecules, and for those that carry nido-carboranes and alkaline metals, are also soluble in water. Most of these compounds have been proposed as highly promising boron delivery agents for the BNCT of tumors, particularly for malignant brain tumors. Nevertheless, other applications such as catalysts, optoelectronic devices, drug delivery systems, and others can be envisaged.

Graphical abstractThis review contains a compilation of different types of star-shaped molecules and dendrimers decorated with boron clusters, carboranes or metallacarboranes, at the periphery. Different dendrimeric platforms, such as PAMAM, carbosilane, poly(aryl-ether) dendrimers, among others, have been functionalized with a variable number of small metallacarboranes, nido-carboranes or cobaltabisdicarbollide clusters following diverse methodologies.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide