We have developed a synthetic methodology to generate boron rich aromatic small molecules based on benzene and pyrene moieties. The prepared aromatic compounds have a boron content &gt; 7 wt% which is important for neutron capture applications as shown by blends of these molecules in poly(vinyltoluene) matrices having similar scintillation light output and neutron capture as state-of-the art commercial scintillators, but with an advantage of much lower cost. The boron rich benzene and pyrene derivatives were prepared from Suzuki conditions using both microwave and traditional heating affording 40-93% yields. This new procedure is simple and straightforward with potential to be scaled up.

Boron-rich benzene and pyrene derivatives for the detection of thermal neutrons

249th National Meeting (2015)

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