boranedonor

Boranedonor is a term used in chemistry to describe a chemical species that can donate a borane (BH3) molecule or a related boron hydride species. Borane itself is a highly reactive and electron-deficient molecule, making it a potent Lewis acid. Boranedonors are compounds that, under specific conditions, can release this electron-deficient boron species.

These donors are crucial in various synthetic applications, particularly in organic chemistry. They are often employed as reagents in hydroboration reactions, where a boron-hydrogen bond is added across a carbon-carbon double or triple bond. This process is a fundamental step in the synthesis of organoboranes, which are versatile intermediates in further chemical transformations.

Common examples of boranedonors include borane-tetrahydrofuran (BH3•THF) and borane-dimethyl sulfide (BH3•SMe2). These are more stable and easier to handle than free borane, which is a gas. The coordinating solvent or ligand in these complexes reversibly binds to the borane, moderating its reactivity and facilitating its controlled delivery. The choice of boranedonor can influence the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction. Beyond hydroboration, boranedonors also find use in reduction reactions and as catalysts in certain polymerization processes. Their ability to act as a source of reactive boron species makes them indispensable tools in modern chemical synthesis.