Exploration of new organometallic systems based on polyhedral
boron
clusters has the potential to solve challenging chemical problems
such as the stabilization of reactive intermediates and transition-state-like
species postulated for E–H (E = H, B, C, Si) bond activation
reactions. We report on facile and clean B–H activation of
a hydroborane by a new iridium boron cluster complex. The product
of this reaction is an unprecedented and fully characterized transition
metal-stabilized boron cation or borenium. Moreover, this intermediate
bears an unusual intramolecular B···H interaction between
the hydrogen originating from the activated hydroborane and the cyclometallated
metal-bonded boron atom of the boron cluster. This B···H
interaction is proposed to be an arrested insertion of hydrogen into
the Bcage–metal bond and the initiation step for
iridium “cage-walking” around the upper surface of the
boron cluster. The “cage-walking” process is supported
by the hydrogen–deuterium exchange observed at the boron cluster,
and a mechanism is proposed on the basis of theoretical methods with
a special focus on the role of noncovalent interactions. All new compounds
were isolated and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental
analysis. Key compounds were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.