B–H and O–H bonds activation via a single electron transfer of frustrated radical pairs

Abstract

The rare examples of B–H bond activation in a frustrated radical pair regime have been observed by treatment of TEMPO radicals with Piers’ borane HB(C₆F₅)₂ or bis-borane, respectively. The resulting concomitant formation of zwitterionic products and geminal N/B frustrated Lewis pairs implied a one electron process. In addition, the reaction of a TEMPO/B(C₆F₅)₃ pair with H₂O·B(C₆F₅)₃ was assumed to involve one-electron reduction of water. Our results provide insights into chemical bond (e.g. B–H and O–H) activation via a single electron transfer.