Boron: Organoboranes

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of recent developments in the highly interdisciplinary field of organoboron chemistry. The most important routes for the synthesis of organoboranes via transmetallation, hydroboration and other boration reactions, as well as CH activation are outlined. The various classes of organoboranes thus accessible are presented according to the nature of the organic substituents. Special emphasis is given to applications of organoboranes. For example, the development of new chiral organoboranes that are commonly used in enantioselective synthesis is shown. Moreover, the importance of fluorinated arylboranes as highly efficient Lewis acid catalysts and cocatalysts for organic transformations and polymerization reactions is discussed. The use of triarylboranes and related compounds as electronic and optical materials for device applications, and as sensors for the recognition of anions and neutral Lewis bases is also described in detail.