Recent advances in boron chemistry
摘要
Boron, positioned to the left of carbon in the periodic table with one fewer electron, exhibits unique chemical properties. Tricoordinate boron compounds are typically electron-deficient, acting as strong Lewis acids in general with electrophilic behavior. In contrast, tetracoordinate boron compounds, featuring a tetrahedral geometry, display nucleophilicity and enable transformations such as migration, transmetallation, and oxidation. Boron compounds serve as versatile synthons, reagents, and catalysts in organic reactions. Incorporating boron into conjugated systems enhances chemical diversity and modulates optoelectronic properties, while the vacant p orbital of boron imparts high electron affinity and unique stimulus-responsive characteristics. Additionally, boron forms deltahedral clusters in polyhedral (car)boranes, which are air-and moisture-stable and distinct from traditional hydrocarbon structures. This review provides an overview of the fundamental properties and diverse applications of boron compounds across various fields.