Regioselective B–H/C–H activation and metal–metal bond formation induced by half-sandwich metals complexes at hydroxy-substituted o-carboranes

Abstract

A binuclear iridium complex, (Cp₂*Ir₂(CH₂O)C₂B₁₀H₈) (6), with a unique metal–metal bond has been synthesized and fully characterized. Importantly, this complex is constructed via selective C–H and B(3)–H bond activation on the carborane precursor. Additionally, when the proligand (2-pyridine)(o-carboranyl)methanol ligand was combined with a half-sandwich iridium complex, selective B(6)–H bond activation or metal–carbon bond formation can be induced by the use of different bases. And the rhodium complex constructed from (2-pyridine)(o-carboranyl)methanol ligand containing a metal–carbon bond has been obtained and fully characterized.