POBOP pincer complexes of nickel(II): Synthesis and B H activation of the carborane ligand upon oxidation with iodine

Abstract The (POBOP)NiCl pincer complex (POBOP = 1,7-OP( i -Pr) 2 - m -carboranyl) was synthesized by the selective B H activation of the chelating carboranyl ligand and structurally and spectroscopically characterized. The reaction of (POBOP)NiCl and 1 equiv. of I 2 at room temperature led to the selective iodination of the vicinal B H bond in the complex. The reaction of (POBOP)NiCl and 7 equiv. of I 2 at room temperature led to further iodination of the ligand and dissociation of the metal from the complex.