Catalytic hydroxylation of [Closo-B12H12]2−—adaptation of the Periana reaction to a polyhedral borane

Abstract

Per-B-hydroxylation of a polyhedral borane anion has been demonstrated by the catalytic hydroxylation of icosahedral [closo-B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ using soft electrophiles such as platinum group metal catalysts or iodine cation. A new route to [closo-B₁₂(OH)₁₂]²⁻ from [closo-B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ without the use of H₂O₂ oxidant provides an alternative hydroxylation process.