Synthesis of a terphenyl-supported aminoborane: an inorganic analogue to styrene

The preparation of an inorganic styrene analogue, Ar Dipp B(H)=NH 2 (Ar Dipp = 2,6-Dipp 2 C 6 H 3 ; Dipp = 2,6- i Pr 2 C 6 H 3 ), supported by a bulky terphenyl ligand is reported. While crystals of Ar Dipp B(H)=NH 2 suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis could not be obtained, 1 H- 15 N heteronuclear single quantum correlation NMR and computational studies indicate possible B–N double bond character within the BN array. Attempts to induce further dehydrogenation from Ar Dipp B(H)=NH 2 in the presence of various transition metals complexes were unsuccessful.