A strategy for regioselective B–H functionalization of o-carboranes via base metal catalysis

Carboranes, a class of carbon–boron molecular clusters, have unique characteristics and are finding a variety of applications ranging from materials to medicine. In this connection, selective functionalization of o-carboranes has attracted enormous research interest, particularly in regio- and enantio-selective cage B–H derivatization among ten chemically similar BH vertices in o-carboranes. Over the years, precious transition metal-catalyzed cage B–H functionalization has made significant advances in the preparation of diversely functionalized o-carboranes. In contrast, research on B–H functionalization via a base metal catalysis strategy has just begun recently. This paper summarizes the recent developments in base metal-catalyzed regioselective B–H functionalization of carboranes.