Synthesis of 1-Amino-3-[2-(1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran(12)-1-yl)ethyl]cyclobutanecarboxylic Acid: A Potential BNCT Agent.

The synthesis of an unnatural amino acid, 1-amino-3-[2-(1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran(12)-1-yl)ethyl]cyclobutanecarboxylic acid, was achieved. This new potential BNCT agent was prepared via the monoalkylation of m-carborane with 4-bromobutene to produce 4-m-carboranyl-1-butene, which was then subjected to a 2 + 2 cycloaddition using dichloroketene. The resultant boronated cyclobutanone was reductively dechlorinated prior to the formation of the corresponding hydantoin, which was hydrolized to the title compound in excellent yield.