Spontaneous trans-Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Apolar Boron-Boron Double Bonds

摘要

The transfer hydrogenation of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-supported diborenes with dimethylamine borane proceeds with high selectivity for the trans-1,2-dihydrodiboranes. DFT calculations, supported by kinetic studies and deuteration experiments, suggest a stepwise proton-first-hydride- second reaction mechanism via an intermediate m-hydrodiboronium dimethylaminoborate ion pair.