A convenient
transition-metal-free approach, based on nucleophilic
substitution of hydrogen (SN
H), for consecutive regioselective C–H
functionalization of 1,3,7-triazapyrene scaffolds with carboranyllithium
and phenyllithium is reported. The theoretical calculations disclosed
highlight key features in the regioselectivity and mechanism of the
investigated SN
H transformations. The novel 1,3,7-triazapyrene-based ortho-carboranes obtained have large potential in the field of molecular
electronics as organic luminophores, which are characterized by the
aggregation-induced emission and dual-emission effects.