Synthesis of heteroboroxines with MB₂O₃ core (M = Sb, Bi, Sn)--an influence of the substitution of parent boronic acids.

The synthesis and structure of stiba-, stanna- and bismaheteroboroxines of a general formula L(E)M[(OBR)2O] supported by a N,C,N-chelating ligand L [where L = C6H3-2,6-(CH2NMe2)2, M, E = Sb, lone pair or Sn, Ph or Bi, lone pair] is reported. The target compounds are prepared by straightforward one-step reactions between oxides (LMO)2 (M = Sb or Bi) or organotin(iv) carbonate L(Ph)Sn(CO3) with four or two molar equivalents of corresponding organoboronic acid. All compounds were characterized with the help of elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and on several occasions the molecular structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The influence of both the substitution of the parent organoboronic acid and the central atom used on the feasibility of the condensation reaction was addressed. Furthermore, several heteroboroxines containing nitrogen donor functionality (i.e. NH2, NMe2, CN or 4-pyridyl) included in the boronic acid residue were synthesized and characterized with the aim to prepare boroxine-based covalent frameworks (through intermolecular N→B interactions) containing metal atoms in their structures. Although no such intermolecular bonding was detected in solution of these compounds, it was shown that the organotin(iv) heteroboroxine substituted by 4-pyridyl group forms an infinite polymeric chains via N→B interactions in the solid state. This polymer collapsed back to monomeric units upon dissolution.