Synthesis of the isolable biradicals *(CH3B)11C-C triple bond C-C(BCH3)11* and trans-*(CH3B)11C-CH=CH-C(BCH3)11*.

A synthesis of ethene and ethyne derivatives carrying the anionic -C(BCH3)11- substituent on one or both carbon atoms is described. Two-electron oxidation of the dianions yielded the stable and isolable electroneutral title biradicals.

Palladium-catalyzed Heck reactions of styrene derivatives and 2-iodo-p-carborane.

p-Carborane has been vinylated on the 2-B-atom in high yields using the Heck reaction. Thus, the reaction between 2-iodo-p-carborane and various styrenes [4-H-, 4-C(6)H(4)-, 4-Cl-, 4-Br-, 4-NO(2)-, 4-CH(3)O-, and 4-CH(3)-] resulted in the production of the corresponding trans-beta-(2-B-p-carboranyl)styrene in DMF solution when reacted in the presence of silver phosphate and the palladacycle Herrmann's catalyst.