title: Deuteration of boranes: catalysed versus non-catalysed processes.
abstract: A dichotomy in the reactivity of B-H bonds is reported. A bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)-ligated iridium(III) complex can effect rapid deuteration of boronate esters at room temperature with low catalyst loadings; however, borane and 9-BBN both undergo deuteration in the absence of catalyst, and do not react with the iridium complexes. This is proposed to result from the inductive electron-withdrawing properties of the boronic ester substituents. Deuterated boronic esters can be accessed rapidly at room temperature with only very low loadings of iridium catalyst.
authors: EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, UK.
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Nelson
authors: Jonathan D
authors: JD
authors: Egbert
authors: Steven P
authors: SP
authors: Nolan