Electrophilic Methylation of Decaborane(14): Selective Synthesis of Tetramethylated and Heptamethylated Decaboranes and Their Conjugated Bases.

The paper reports specific syntheses of methylated decaborane(14), nido-B10H14 (1), derivatives. The reaction of 1 with an excess of neat MeI and AlCl3 yields 1,2,3,4-Me4-nido-B10H10 (2) essentially quantitatively when performed at room temperature. Heating the same mixture to 120 °C provides 1-I-2,3,4,5,7,8,10-Me7-nido-B10H6 (3a). The formation of analogous 1-CF3SO2O-2,3,4,5,7,8,10-Me7-nido-B10H6 (3b) is achieved by heating 1 or 2 with an excess of MeSO3CF3 in the presence of a catalytic amount of HOSO2CF3 to 120 °C. Compounds 2 and 3 can be deprotonated to yield the corresponding anions [1,2,3,4-Me4-nido-B10H9]- (2-), [1-I-2,3,4,5,7,8,10-Me7-nido-B10H5]- (3a-), and [1-CF3SO2O-2,3,4,5,7,8,10-Me7-nido-B10H5]- (3b-). The structure of all the compounds isolated has been unambiguously confirmed by multinuclear (11B and 1H) NMR measurements, and the structures of 2-, 3a, 3a-, and 3b have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The very high volatility of 2 has made it impossible to apply X-ray diffraction in this case; therefore, its structure has been derived computationally using the ab initio/GIAO/NMR tool. DFT-based computational protocols have also outlined the reason why it is impossible to obtain an octamethyl derivative of 1 experimentally.

Synthesis of closo-1,2-H2C2B8Me8 and 1,2-H2C2B8Me7X (X = I and OTf) Dicarbaboranes and Their Rearrangement Reactions.

Methyl-camouflaged dicarbaboranes closo-1,2- and 1,10-H2C2B8Me8 have been prepared in high yields either from nido-5,6-H2C2B8H10 or closo-1,2-H2C2B8H8 via electrophilic methylation reactions and cluster-rearrangement methods. Prepared were also monosubstituted derivatives of general formulation closo-H2C2B8Me7-X (X = I or OTf). The permethylated compounds exhibit extreme air stability in comparison to unprotected counterparts as a consequence of rigid, egg-shaped hydrocarbon structures incorporating inner C2B8 carborane scaffolding. The structures of all compounds isolated were confirmed unambiguously by multinuclear (11B, 1H, 13C, and 19F) NMR measurements, supported by X-ray diffraction analyses and geometry optimization methods on several compounds.

Unusual Closure of the Ten-Vertex Nido Cage via Alkylation: Regiospecific Synthesis of 3-Alkyl Derivatives of closo-1,2-C2B8H10.

Alkylation of the [nido-5,6-R12C2B8H9]- anions (where R1 = H and Me) with alkyl halides (RX, where R = primary and secondary alkyls) in boiling tetrahydrofuran (THF) proceeds via unusual H2 elimination, followed by cage closure to give a series of the neutral closo-1,2-R12C2B8H7-3-R derivatives in ∼70-80% yields. In contrast, treatment of the unsubstituted [nido-5,6-C2B8H11]- anion with tert-butyl bromide (t-BuBr) led to the formation of the parent closo-1,2-C2B8H10 in >85% yield. The constitution of all compounds isolated has been confirmed unambiguously by multinuclear (11B, 1H, and 13C) nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and α-shift correlation assessments.

Quantitative Assessment of Substitution NMR Effects in the Model Series of o-Carborane Derivatives: α-Shift Correlation Method.

The principles of a new α-shift correlation (ASC) NMR method are demonstrated on a model series of substituted derivatives of o-carborane for which reliable NMR data are available. This graphical method revealed an acceptable linear correlation between α(11B) or α(13C) shifts and those induced by substituents in unsubstituted (u) positions of the carborane cluster. The linearity holds for all nuclei involved in skeletal bonding: Δδ(N)u = g × α (where N = 11B, 13C, and 1H). The factor g (slope of the correlation line × 102) becomes an important measure of sensitivity of a given cage position to substituent changes. The ß, γ, and δ = A (= antipodal) shifts can be therefore derived from the α-shift, are linearly proportional, and reflect additive character in double substitution. The ASC method appears to be an important tool for quantitative assessment of substituent NMR effects in all exo-substituted boron-cluster systems.

Electrophilic Halogenation of closo-1,2-C2B8H10.

Initial studies on electrophilic halogenation of the dicarbaborane closo-1,2-C2B8H10 (1) have been carried out to reveal that the substitution takes place at B7 and B10 vertexes, which are the most removed from the CH positions. The course of the halogenation is strongly dependent on the nature of the halogenation agent and reaction conditions. Individual reactions led to the isolation of the monosubstituted compounds 1,2-C2B8H9-10-X (2) (where X = F, I) and 1,2-C2B8H9-7-X (3) (where X = Cl, I). Disubstituted carboranes 1,2-C2B8H8-7,10-X2 (4) (where X = Cl, Br, I) were obtained under more forcing conditions. Individual halo derivatives were characterized by mass spectrometry and high-field NMR (11B, 1H,13C) spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional [11B-11B]-COSY, 1H{11B(selective)}, and [11B-1H]-correlation NMR techniques. All of the derivatives bearing a halogen substituent in the B10 position exhibit a remarkable antipodal 13C and 1H NMR shielding at the CH1 vertex, increasing in the order H < I < Br < Cl < F. The structures of 1,2-C2B8H8-7,10-X2 derivatives (where X = Cl, I, 4b,d) were established by X-ray diffraction analyses.

Unusual Cage Rearrangements in 10-Vertex nido-5,6-Dicarbaborane Derivatives: An Interplay between Theory and Experiment.

The reaction between selected X-nido-5,6-C2B8H11 compounds (where X = Cl, Br, I) and "Proton Sponge" [PS; 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene], followed by acidification, results in extensive rearrangement of all cage vertices. Specifically, deprotonation of 7-X-5,6-C2B8H11 compounds with one equivalent of PS in hexane or CH2Cl2 at ambient temperature led to a 7 → 10 halogen rearrangement, forming a series of PSH+[10-X-5,6-C2B8H10]- salts. Reprotonation using concentrated H2SO4 in CH2Cl2 generates a series of neutral carbaboranes 10-X-5,6-C2B8H11, with the overall 7 → 10 conversion being 75%, 95%, and 100% for X = Cl, Br, and I, respectively. Under similar conditions, 4-Cl-5,6-C2B8H11 gave ∼66% conversion to 3-Cl-5,6-C2B8H11. Since these rearrangements could not be rationalized using the B-vertex swing mechanism, new cage rearrangement mechanisms, which are substantiated using DFT calculations, have been proposed. Experimental 11B NMR chemical shifts are well reproduced by the computations; as expected δ(11B) for B(10) atoms in derivatives with X = Br and I are heavily affected by spin-orbit coupling.

Prototropic µ-H8,9 and µ-H9,10 Tautomers Derived from the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11]- Anion.

Reported is an unusual tautomeric behavior within the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11]- (1a-) cage that has no precedence in the whole area of carborane chemistry. Isolated were two skeletal tautomers, anions [6-Ph-nido-5,6-C2B8H10-µ8,9]- (2d-) and [5,6-Me2-nido-5,6-C2B8H9-µ9,10]- (3b-), which differ in the positioning of the open-face hydrogen bridge. Their structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction analyses. The 3b-structure is stabilized by intermolecular interaction involving Et3NH+ and B8-B9 and H8 atoms in the solid phase; however, its dissolution in CD3CN causes instant conversion to the more stable [5,6-Me2-nido-5,6-C2B8H9-µ8,9]- (2b-) tautomer. The dynamic electron-correlation-based MP2/6-31G* computations suggest that the parent [nido-5,6-C2B8H11-µ8,9]- (2a-) tautomer is 3.9 kcal·mol-1 more stable than the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11-µ9,10]- (3a-) counterpart and the µ8,9 structure 2- is therefore the most stable tautomeric form in the solution, as was also demonstrated by multinuclear (1H, 11B, and 13C) NMR measurements on the whole series of C-substituted compounds.

Sequential Camouflage of the arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 Cage by Substituents.

Sequential methylation of arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 (1) led to a series of methyl derivatives and finally to the camouflaging of all boron positions by mixed persubstitution. Thus, deprotonation of 1 produced the [arachno-6,9-C2B8H13] anion (1(-)), the methylation of which with MeI in tetrahydrofuran proceeded on the open-face boron vertexes with the formation of 5-Me-arachno-6,9-C2B8H13 (2; yield 28%) and 5,8-Me2-arachno-6,9-C2B8H12 (3; yield 36%). Observed in this reaction was also a side formation of 2-Me-closo-1,6-C2B8H9 (4; yield 6%).The electrophilic AlCl3-catalyzed CH3(+) attack of the neutral 1 in neat MeI at ambient temperature afforded 1,3-Me2-arachno-6,9-C2B8H12 (5), while a 76-h heating at 120 °C generated a mixture of the di- and triiodo derivatives 1,2,3,4,8,10-Me6-5,7-I2-arachno-6,9-C2B8H6 (6) and 1,2,3,4,7-Me5-5,7,10-I3-arachno-6,9-C2B8H6 (7). On the other hand, a HOTf-catalyzed reaction between 1 and MeOTf at reflux resulted in the isolation of 2-TfO-1,3.4,5,7,8,10-Me7-arachno-6,9-C2B8H6 (8; Tf = CF3SO2; yield 65%). The compounds were characterized by multinuclear ((11)B, (1)H, (13)C, and (19)F) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis, and the structures of compounds 1, 1(-), 5, and 6 were established by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Click Dehydrogenation of Carbon-Substituted nido-5,6-C2B8H12 Carboranes: A General Route to closo-1,2-C2B8H10 Derivatives.

Triethylamine-catalyzed dehydrogenation of carbon-disubstituted dicarbaboranes 5,6-R2-nido-5,6-C2B8H10 [1, where R = H (1a), Me (1b), and Ph (1c)] in refluxing acetonitrile leads to a high-yield (up to 85-95%) formation of a series of dicarbaboranes 1,2-R2-closo-1,2-C2B8H8 (2). The monosubstituted 6-R-nido-5,6-C2B8H11 (3) analogues [where R = Ph (3a), naph (1-naphthyl; 3b), Bu (3c)] afforded 1-R-1,2-closo C2B8H9 (4) isomers [where R = Ph (4a), naph (4b), n-Bu (4c)] as the main products; compounds 4a and 4c were accompanied by 2-R-1,2-C2B8H9 (5) isomers (total yields up to 90%), with the 4/5 molar ratio being strongly dependent on the nature of R (4:1 and 1:1, respectively). All of these cage-closure reactions are supposed to proceed via the stage of the corresponding Et3NH(+) salts of nido anions [5,6-R2-5,6-C2B8H9](-) (1(-)) and [6-R-5,6-C2B8H10](-) (3(-)), which lose H2 and Et3N upon heating (dehydrodeamination). The cage-closure mechanisms leading to closo isomers 2, 4, and 5 have been substantiated by B3LYP/6-31+G* calculations of the reaction profile for a simple 1a(-) → 2a + H(-) conversion. All of the compounds isolated have been characterized by multinuclear ((11)B, (1)H, and (13)C) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses, and the structure of 1-Ph-closo-1,2-C2B8H9 (4a) was established by an X-ray diffraction study.

Unique stereocontrol in carborane chemistry: skeletal alkylcarbonation (SAC) versus exoskeletal alkylmethylation (EAM) reactions.

Reactions between the arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 (1) dicarbaborane and acyl chlorides, RCOCl (2), are subject to stereocontrol that completely changes the nature of the reaction products. While most chlorides produce the 8-R-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H11 (3) tricarbollides (by skeletal alkylcarbonation=SAC), bulky RCOCls (2; where R=1-adamantyl, 2 a; 1-mesityl, 2 b; 9-anthranyl, 2 c; 1-naphthyl, 2 d) in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) in the presence of triethylamine at 40-60 °C gave a series of entirely different 1-R-2-CH3-closo-1,6-C2B8H8 (4) dicarbaboranes upon acidification with conc. H2SO4 (by exosleletal alkylmehylation=EAM). Both types of reactions seem to proceed via a common [8-R-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H10](-) (3(-)) anion which in the EAM case is unstable because of steric crowd and undergoes rearrangement via the isomeric [R-nido-7,8,10-C3B8H10](-) tricarbollide structures which, on protonation, undergo reductive extraction of one CH vertex to generate the 2-CH3 substituent in structure 4.

Carbon insertion into arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 via acyl chlorides. skeletal alkylcarbonation (SAC) reactions: a new route for tricarbollides.

Reactions between arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 (1) and selected acyl chlorides, RCOCl, in the presence of PS (PS = "proton sponge", 1,8-dimethylamino naphthalene) in CH2Cl2 for 24 h at reflux, followed by in situ acidification with concentrated H2SO4 at 0 °C, generate a series of neutral alkyl and aryl tricarbollides 8-R-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H11 (2) (where R = CH3, 2a; C2H5, 2b; n-C4H9, 2c; C6H5, 2d; 4-Cl-C6H4, 2e; 4-Br-C6H4, 2f; 4-I-C6H4, 2g; 1-C10H7, 2h; and 2-C10H7, 2i). The best yields were achieved for aryl derivatives (80-95%) while the yields of the corresponding alkyl substituted compounds are lower (60-70%). These skeletal alkylcarbonation (SAC) reactions are consistent with an aldol-type condensation between the RCO group and open-face hydrogen atoms on the dicarbaborane 1, which is associated with the insertion of the carbonyl carbon atom into the structure of arachno-6,9-C2B8H14 (1) under elimination of three extra hydrogen atoms as H2O and HCl. The reactions thus result in an effective R-tricarbaborane cross-coupling. Individual compounds of structure 2 have been purified by chromatography on a silica gel support, using hexane as the mobile phase (R(F) = ∼0.3). Deprotonation agents, such as NEt3, NaOH, NaH, etc., convert tricarbaboranes 2 into the corresponding conjugated anions [8-R-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H10](-) (2(-)) which were isolated as salts with suitable countercations (for example, Et3NH(+), Tl(+), NEt4(+), etc.). The compounds have been characterized by multinuclear ((11)B, (1)H, and (13)C) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The structures of anions [8-R-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H10]¯ (where R = C6H5, 4-I-C6H4 and 1-C10H7; 2a(-), 2g(-), and 2h(-)) and that of the neutral 8-(1-C10H7)-nido-7,8,9-C3B8H11 (2h) have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses.

Additive character of electron donation by methyl substituents within a complete series of polymethylated [1-(η6-Me9n)C6H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC2B9H11] complexes. Linear correlations of the NMR parameters and Fe(II/III) redox potentials with the number of arene methyls.

A systematic method for the incorporation of the {(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))Fe} fragment into the dicarbollide cage was developed based on reactions between [(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))(2)Fe][PF(6)](2) salts (1) and Tl(2)[nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11)]. These reactions proceed with elimination of one arene ligand to generate a complete series of the neutral [1-(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] (2) complexes with n = 1-6 in yields ranging 15-70% depending on the arene. The structures of mesitylene and pentamethylbenzene complexes were established by X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds were characterized by (11)B and (1)H NMR measurements, mass spectra, melting points and elemental analyses. Correlations between selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters and the Fe(II/III) redox potentials and the number of arene methyls for complexes 2 are linear. These facts establish direct evidence for a strictly additive character of electron donation by the methyl substituents to the arene ring and further to the Fe center and the second (dicarbollide) ligand.Correlations between the number of arene methyls (n) and selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters or the Fe(II/III) redox potentials for complexes [1-(η(6)-MenC(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] are of strictly linear character.

Transformation of various multicenter bondings within bicapped-square antiprismatic motifs: Z-rearrangement.

Reported herein are mutual rearrangements in the whole series of seven bicapped-square antiprismatic closo-C2B8H10 by means of high-quality computations that disprove the earlier postulated dsd (diamond-square-diamond) scheme for these isomerizations. The experimentally existing closo-1,2-C2B8H10 was able to be converted to 1,6-, and 1,10-isomers by pyrolysis, and the dsd (diamond-square-diamond) mechanism was offered as an explanation of these processes. However, these computations disprove the postulated dsd scheme for these isomerizations that take place in the ten-vertex closo series. Experimentally observed thermal rearrangements, both in the parent and substituted closo-1,2-C2B8H10, closo-1-CB9H10-, and closo-B10H102-, indirectly support these refined computations. All these processes are based on the new concept of the so-called Z-mechanism, being consistent with a transition state of a boat shape with an open hexagonal belt that results from the initial breakage of three bonds. Such bond breakings and the consequent bond formations bring to mind the shape of the letter Z. In effect, the pattern of multicenter bonding shifts from reactant through a transition state to product. The molecular rearrangements that are available experimentally favour either the axial or equatorial isomers, and this ratio depends on temperature and the type of cluster and its substitution.

Toward the synthesis of high boron content polyanionic multicluster macromolecules.

Reported are further consequences of the dioxane ring opening in [3,3'-Co(8-(CH(2)CH(2)O)(2)-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))], [1], with 12-vertex carborane mono- and dianions. The removal of one BH vertex from the 1,2-closo-C(2)B(9)H(12) part of the double-cluster monoanions of type [1''-X-2''-R-closo-1'',2''-C(2)B(10)H(11)](-), [2](-) (where X = [3,3'-Co(8-(CH(2)CH(2)O)(2)-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(10))(1',2'-C(2)B(9)H(11))](-) and R = H, [2](-); CH(3), [8](-) and C(6)H(5), [9](-)), via heating with ethanolic KOH or CsF led to the isolation of a series of orange dianions having the general formula [7''-X-8''-R-7'',8''-nido -C(2)B(9)H(11)](2-) (R = H, [11](2-); CH(3), [12](2-); and C(6)H(5), [13](2-)). The same procedure applied to the dianionic triple-cluster compound [1'',2''-X(2)-1'',2''-closo-C(2)B(10)H(10)](2-), [5](2-), yielded the trianionic species [7'',8''-X(2)-7'',8''-nido -C(2)B(9)H(10)](3-), [14](3-). Boron degradation of the related 1,7-carborane anion [1''-X-1'',7''-closo-C(2)B(10)H(11)](-), [3](-), was achieved upon heating with CsF in ethylene glycol to generate the [7''-X-7'',9''-nido-C(2)B(9)H(11)](2-), [15](2-), dianion. However, the degradation of the corresponding [1'',7''-X(2)-1'',7''-closo-C(2)B(10)H(10)](2-), [6](2-), dianion under the same conditions led only to the cleavage of the ether chain with no possible isolation of the expected [7'',9''-X(2)-7'',9''-nido-C(2)B(9)H(10)](3-) trianion. The study has been complemented by experimental procedures leading to the still not fully reported starting monoanionic compounds [2](-), [3](-), [8](-) and [9](-) and to the starting dianions [5](2-) and [6](2-). The anions containing the eleven-vertex moiety can be isolated as either Cs(+) or [N(CH(3))(4)](+) salts and can be converted into other salts via metathesis with suitable countercations. The structures of all compounds isolated in this study have been suggested on the basis of NMR and mass spectrometry methods. The disarticulation of complex (11)B NMR spectra has been successfully achieved in this work and has been proven to be a powerful tool for the characterization of multicluster boron-containing molecules.

Methyl camouflage in the ten-vertex closo-dicarbaborane(10) series. Isolation of closo-1,6-R2C2B8Me8 (R = H and Me) and their monosubstituted analogues.

Reported are procedures leading to the first types of methyl camouflaged dicarbadecaboranes with fewer than eleven vertices. The compounds contain the closo-1,6-C2B8 scaffolding inside the egg-shaped hepta - decamethyl sheath, which imparts unusually high air and solvolytic stability to all of these compounds.

Quantitative syntheses of permethylated closo-1,10-R2C2B8Me8 (R = H, Me) carboranes. Egg-shaped hydrocarbons on the Frontier between inorganic and organic chemistry.

Electrophilic methylation of the closo-1,10-R2C2B8H8 (1) (R = H or Me) dicarbaboranes at higher temperatures or thermal rearrangement of the 1,6-R2C2B8Me8 (3) compounds at 400-500 °C generated the B-permethylated derivatives closo-1,10-R2C2B8Me8 (2) in quantitative (>95%) yields. The compounds exhibit extreme air stability as a consequence of a rigid, egg shaped hydrocarbon structures incorporating inner 1,10-C2B8 carborane core.

Macropolyhedral boron-containing cluster chemistry. The unique nido-five-vertex--nido-ten-vertex conjuncto structure of [(eta5-C5Me5)2Rh2B11H15] via an unexpected cluster-dismantling.

B16H20 and [RhCl2(eta5-C5Me5)]2 with tmnd give [(eta5-C5Me5)2Rh2B11H15], which has an unprecedented thirteen-vertex macropolyhedral cluster core based on a nido ten-vertex {MB9} subcluster and a nido five-vertex {MB4} subcluster fused with their open-face {B2} edges in common.

A Series of the Twelve-Vertex Ferratricarbollides [2-(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))-9-X-closo-2,1,7,9-FeC(3)B(8)H(10)] (Where X = H(2)N, MeHN, Me(2)N, Bu(t)()HN, Bu(t)()(Me)N). A Highly Stable Metallatricarbaborane System with Amine Functions in the Para Position to the Metal Center.

Treatment of the zwitterionic amine tricarbollides of general formula 7-XH-nido-7,8,9-C(3)B(8)H(10) (1) [X = H(2)N (1a), Me(2)N (1b), Bu(t)()HN (1c), Bu(t)()(Me)N (1d)] with [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Fe(CO)(2)](2) in refluxing xylene for 24 h resulted in the formation of a series of new mixed-sandwich metallatricarbollides [2-(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))-9-X-closo-2,1,7,9-FeC(3)B(8)H(10)] (2) [X = H(2)N (2a), Me(2)N (2b), Bu(t)()HN (2c), Bu(t)()(Me)N (2d)] in yields 16-54%. The reaction of 1d is associated with partial loss of isobutylene and formation of the 9-MeHN-derivative 2e. Derivatives 2a and 2c were also isolated from reactions between the thallium salts Tl(+)[7-X-nido-7,8,9-C(3)B(8)H(10)](-) (Tl(+)1(-)) [X = H(2)N (Tl(+)1a(-)), BuH(t)()N (Tl(+)1c(-))] and [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Fe(CO)( 2)I] in refluxing toluene (yields 38 and 55%, respectively). All complexes of type 2 contain amine functionalities in para-positions with respect to the metal center, the complexation being in all cases associated with an extensive rearrangement of the cluster carbons into positions of maximum separation. The structures of all compounds were established by high-field NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and that of 2c was determined by an X-ray diffraction study.

Dicarbaheteroborane Chemistry. Representatives of Two Eleven-Vertex Dicarbaazaundecaborane Families: nido-10,7,8-NC(2)B(8)H(11), Its N-Substituted Derivatives, and arachno-1,8,11-NC(2)B(8)H(13).

Treatment of an acidified solution of the [nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-) anion (1(-)) with NaNO(2) at 0 degrees C in the presence of benzene resulted in the formation of two eleven-vertex azadicarbaboranes, nido-10,7,8-NC(2)B(8)H(11) (2) and arachno-1,8,11-NC(2)B(8)H(13)( )()(3), isolated in yields of 15 and 35%, respectively, together with a small amount (0.9%) of 5-Ph-nido-7,8,10-C(2)NB(8)H(10) (5-Ph-2). Compound 3 was converted in 68% yield into 2 by reaction with PS (PS = "proton sponge"; 1,8-(dimethylamino)naphthalene and acetone. Deprotonation of 2 at the N(10)H vertex gave the [nido-10,7,8-NC(2)B(8)H(10)](-) anion (2(-)), which was easily alkylated with Me(2)SO(4) or PhCH(2)Br to produce the N-alkylated derivatives of 2, 10-R-nido-10,7,8-NC(2)B(8)H(10), where R = Me (10-Me-2, 86%) and PhCH(2) (10-PhCH(2)-2, 69%). The geometries of the parent dicarbazaboranes 2 and 3 were optimized at the MP2(fc)/6-31G level, and the structures of all compounds were thence confirmed by the excellent agreement between experimental data and IGLO/NMR calculations of the (11)B chemical shifts for the parent compounds at the DZ//6-31G, DZ//MP2/6-31G, and II'//MP2/6-31G levels.