Flash Communication: Silylene–Borane Cooperative Activation of Pyridines

The development of main-group compounds for the activation of inert bonds is crucial for transition-metal-free catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a carboranyl silylene–borane (1). The cooperative interaction between silylene and borane moieties enables 1 to activate pyridine, 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine, leading to the formation of azasilepins. These results illustrate a novel main-group cooperative platform for bond activation, underscoring its potential to advance molecular transformations.