Poly(iminoborane)s with Aromatic Side Groups: Insights into the Microstructure from Monodisperse Model Oligomers

Abstract

An oligo(iminoborane), depicted on the cover as the dinosaur, was synthesized as part of a series of monodisperse oligo(iminoborane)s with increasing number of B=N units in the chain. Herein, the number of backbone atoms could be extended to 7 boron and 8 nitrogen atoms. This oligomer represents the longest well-defined molecular [>B=N<]_x chain reported so far. The structures of the oligomers were studied by X-ray diffractometry, also providing insight into the microstructure of poly(iminoborane)s (PIBs). In their Research Article, H. Helten and co-workers describe PIBs with increased aromatic content, including the PIB with the highest molecular weight known to date. The meteorite collision visualizes TGA measurements of the polymers which lead to the formation of boron nitride. The authors would like to thank Tina Schneider for creating the cover artwork.