Cage-Walking: Vertex Differentiation by Palladium-Catalyzed Isomerization of B(9)-Bromo-meta-Carborane

Abstract
We report the first observed Pd-catalyzed isomerization ("cage-walking") of B(9)-bromo-meta-carborane during Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling, which enables the formation of B-O and B-N bonds at all boron vertices (B(2), B(4), B(5), and B(9)) of meta-carborane. Experimental and theoretical studies suggest this isomerization mechanism is strongly influenced by the steric crowding at the Pd catalyst by either a biaryl phosphine ligand and/or substrate. Ultimately, this "cage-walking" process provides a unique pathway to preferentially introduce functional groups at the B(2) vertex using B(9)-bromo-meta-carborane as the sole starting material through substrate control.
Funding Information
  • Division of Chemistry (CHE-1048804, CHE1361104)
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (56562-DNI3)
  • 3M

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