Borylenes: An Emerging Class of Compounds

Free borylenes (R-B:) have only been spectroscopically characterized in the gas phase or in matrices at very low temperatures. However, in recent years, a few mono- and bis(Lewis base)-stabilized borylenes have been isolated. In both of these compounds the boron atom is in the formal oxidation state + I which contrasts with classical organoboron derivatives wherein the element is in the + III oxidation state. Mono(Lewis base)-stabilized borylenes are isoelectronic with singlet carbenes, and their reactivity mimics to some extent that of transition metals. They can activate small molecules, such as H-2, and coordinate an additional ligand; in other words, they are boron metallomimics. Bis(Lewis base)borylene adducts are isoelectronic with amines and phosphines. In contrast to boranes, which act as electron acceptors and thus Lewis acids, they are electron-rich and act as ligands for transition metals.