Liquid-Phase Synthesis of Boron Isocyanates: Precursors to Boron Nanoparticles.

The practical application of boron isocyanates has been hindered by their extremely high sensitivity and reactivity toward air and moisture. A convenient synthetic method in a suitable liquid media is reported for practical utilization of boron isocyanates. According to NMR studies, the in situ generated boron isocyanates can be stored for at least one month under an inert atmosphere at -20 °C without noticeable decomposition. The boron tri(isocyanate) (B(NCO) ) was converted into boron nanoparticles by reduction with hydrogen under mild reaction conditions.