Investigation of the Mechanism of Nucleophilic Attack on the [B20H18]2- Anion
Date
2006-06
Authors
Feakes, Debra A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Our laboratory has isolated and characterized a unique solvent-coordinated anion, [B20H17O (CH2)5]3-, resulting from the combination of the [B20H18]2- anion, a sterically demanding nucleophile, and the solvent, tetrahydropyran. Although the anion is clearly the product of the reaction of the [B20H18]2- anion with the solvent, the role of the nucleophile was unclear. Therefore, the goals of the grant were: 1) Determine the role of the nucleophile and the solvent in the reaction mechanism, 2) Complete a series of reactions using solvents with the same basic structure, but with varying nucleophilic atoms, and 3) Complete the reactions with the sterically demanding nucleophiles in a solvent, which does not inhibit the desired reaction. Although the role of the nucleophile has not been completely determined, we have eliminated several possibilities.
Replacement of the nucleophile with a strong base (NaH), does not yield the product. Introduction of only a catalytic amount of the nucleophile does not yield complete reaction. Completion of the reaction in stoichiometric amounts of each of the reactants in a different solvent system does not yield the product. Therefore, the nucleophile is not acting as a base in the reaction nor is it a catalyst. The coordination of the solvent is a result of mass action. Goal 2 has been completed; however, the compounds have not been completely characterized. An undergraduate student will be completing this portion of the project during the summer, 2007. Goal 3 has been completed and final characterization of the resulting compounds is underway. We anticipate that the project will ultimately yield three publications in Inorganic Chemistry.
Description
Research Enhancement Program Final Report
Keywords
[B20H18]2- anion, nucleophile, inorganic chemistry
Citation
Feakes, D. A. (2006). <i>Investigation of the mechanism of nucleophilic attack on the [B20H18]2- Anion</i>. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.