New approaches to cluster modification in the 12-vertex metallatricarbollide series

Cluster opening of [2-Cp-9-tBuNH-closo-2,1,7,9-FeC3B8H10] (1) (Cp=η5-C5H5-), followed by oxidation, generates complexes [2-Cp-8-tBuNH-closo-2,1,8,10-FeC3B8H10] (2), [2-Cp-4-tBuNH-closo-2,1,4,12-FeC3B8H10] (3), [2-Cp-1-tBuNH-closo-2,1,7,10-FeC3B8H10] (4), and [1-Cp-10-tBuNH-closo-1,2,3,10-FeC3B7H9] (5). Another variation of the syntheses led to compounds [2-Cp-closo-2,1,8,10-FeC3B8H11] (6), [4-Cp-1-tBuNH-closo-4,1,6,8,-FeC3B9H11] (7) and to two isomeric, not yet fully characterized, 13-vertex compounds of general nido structure [tBuNH-Cp-FeC3B9H12] (8 and 9).

Graphical abstractCluster opening, followed by oxidation and cluster expansion generates new compounds of the 11-, 12- and 13-vertex metallatricarbaborane series that are otherwise unavailable by conventional synthetic methods.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide