Catalytic dehalogenation with activated borane, a porous borane cluster polymer†

Activated borane (ActB), a metal- and halogen-free porous borane cluster polymer with a significant Lewis acidity, has been successfully used as a heterogeneous catalyst for hydrodehalogenation reactions of aliphatic fluorides and chlorides using triethylsilane as a reductant. In analogy to known homogeneous systems, full dehalogenation of organohalides is achieved with a predominant formation of Friedel–Crafts alkylation products in aromatic reaction media. Importantly, the herein described material is robust, tolerates elevated reaction temperatures and can be re-used, while reaching a turnover number (TON) of up to 5190. These features make it an attractive candidate for a sustainable disposal of halogenated pollutants by heterogeneous catalysis.