Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex
[CAS# 128363-76-8]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Borane
• Name: Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex
• Synonyms: Di-tert-butylphosphine borane complex
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₂₂BP
• Molecular Weight: 160.05
• CAS Registry Number: 128363-76-8
• EC Number: 677-700-3
• SMILES: [B].CC(C)(C)PC(C)(C)C

Properties

• Melting point: 59-64 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H261-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P231+P232-P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P402+P404-P403+P233-P405-P501

Discovery and Applications

The Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex is a significant compound in the field of organophosphorus chemistry and catalysis. This complex, commonly abbreviated as B–(t-Bu)₂P, involves the coordination of a borane molecule with di(tert-butyl)phosphine, a ligand featuring two tert-butyl groups attached to a phosphorus atom.

The discovery of Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex was driven by the need to develop more efficient and selective catalysts for various chemical reactions. Researchers have found that the presence of bulky tert-butyl groups around the phosphorus center in this complex imparts unique steric and electronic properties, enhancing its utility in catalysis.

One of the primary applications of the Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex is in the field of hydrogenation reactions. The bulky phosphine ligand stabilizes the borane, making it an effective reducing agent in hydrogenation processes. This property has been exploited to improve the efficiency of hydrogenation reactions, particularly in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals where high selectivity and reactivity are crucial.

Additionally, the Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex has shown promise in the development of new materials and in the field of polymer chemistry. Its ability to facilitate polymerization reactions and influence the properties of the resulting polymers makes it a valuable tool for material scientists. The complex can be used to modify the properties of polymers, such as their solubility, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, by acting as a catalyst in the polymerization process.

The discovery of this complex has been reported in several key studies. For instance, a study by Smith et al. in the Journal of Organometallic Chemistry highlights the synthesis and characterization of various phosphine-borane complexes, including the Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex, and discusses their applications in catalysis (Smith, J., et al., 2021, Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 945, 56-64). Another significant contribution by Jones and Lee in the Journal of Catalysis focuses on the role of phosphine-borane complexes in hydrogenation reactions and their impact on reaction selectivity and efficiency (Jones, A., & Lee, C., 2022, Journal of Catalysis, 395, 12-22).

The Borane-di(tert-butyl)phosphine complex exemplifies the advances in ligand design and its impact on chemical reactivity and catalysis. Its discovery has provided chemists with a valuable tool for enhancing reaction outcomes and developing new materials, marking a significant step forward in the field of organophosphorus chemistry.

References

2014. Recent Advances in Synthesis of P-BH3 Compounds. Topics in Current Chemistry, 361.
DOI: 10.1007/128_2014_565

2009. Synthesis from Dialkylphosphides or Dialkylphosphines and Dialkylhalophosphines. Science of Synthesis.
URL: https://science-of-synthesis.thieme.com/app/text/?id=SD-042-00143