High yielding synthesis of carboranes under mild reaction conditions using a homogeneous silver(I) catalyst: Direct evidence of a bimetallic intermediate

Methods used to prepare functionalized carboranes generally require heating to high temperatures, and thus limits the range of derivatives which can be prepared directly from alkynes. We show here that by using a homogeneous silver(I) catalyst it is now possible to prepare carboranes in good to excellent yield at temperatures below 40 °C, including at room temperature. The process is general and provides an important new synthetic strategy for the preparation of functionalized boron clusters. Cluster around: Current methods to prepare carboranes require heating to high temperatures, thereby limiting the range of derivatives which can be prepared from functionalized alkynes. By using a Ag^I catalyst it is possible to prepare carboranes from substituted alkynes in good to excellent yields at temperatures below 40 °C, including room temperature. The approach provides an important new synthetic strategy for the preparation of functionalized boron clusters.