boroxinebased

Boroxine-based refers to compounds and materials that include the boroxine ring, a cyclic B3O3 core formed by the condensation of three boronic acid units. In the common boroxine motif, three boron atoms are connected through alternating oxygen bridges, each boron bearing an organic substituent. The ring is typically planar and relatively rigid, and the boron centers are Lewis acidic, which influences reactivity and binding properties.

Synthesis and chemistry of boroxine-based systems typically rely on dehydrative condensation of boronic acids or esters under dry conditions, often with removal of water. The resulting boroxine ring can be used as a discrete building block or as a linking node in larger networks. A key feature is its ability to undergo hydrolysis in the presence of moisture, reverting to boronic acids. This reversible, moisture-sensitive behavior underpins dynamic covalent chemistry and enables error-correcting assembly in materials.

Properties and behavior of boroxine-based motifs include their relatively high rigidity, Lewis acidity at boron, and capacity to form reversible interactions with diols or amines (boronate ester formation). Substituents on the boron atoms modulate stability, reactivity, and compatibility with other functional groups. These characteristics make boroxine-based motifs attractive for modular synthesis and for designing responsive materials.

Applications of boroxine-based chemistry are most prominent in covalent organic frameworks and related porous polymers, where boroxine linkages provide rigid, highly connected networks. They are explored for sensing, separation, and adaptive materials, and their dynamic nature supports self-healing and reconfigurable systems in suitable environments. Challenges include moisture sensitivity and stability under operational conditions, requiring careful design of substituents and processing conditions.