We have developed a fast and efficient route to obtain perfunctionalized ether-linked alkyl and benzyl derivatives of the closo-[B12H12] icosahedral boron cluster via microwave-assisted synthesis. These icosahedral boron clusters exhibit three-dimensional delocalization of the cage-bonding electrons, tunable photophysical properties, and remarkable stability under harsh physical and chemical conditions. A library of hypercloso-[B12(OR)12] clusters were prepared, with similar yields and purity for previously reported compounds being achieved while significantly decreasing reaction times and eliminating the need for inert atmosphere conditions. The generality of the new microwave-based method was further demonstrated via the synthesis of several new derivatives and the one-pot synthesis of hybrid mono/undeca-substituted species previously accessible only via multi-step sequential reactions. Initial investigations of these new boron clusters show many promising future applications, including use as non-coordinating anions and rigid, atomically precise molecular scaffolds

Rapid synthesis of hypercloso-[B12(OR)12] dodecaalkoxy derivatives

251st National Meeting (2016)

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