A waste-minimized approach for the synthesis of iodinated organic borazines

Abstract

We herein report a waste-minimized process for the synthesis of iodinated hexa-aryl borazines in different iodination patterns and amounts. Access to these widely promising B–N-containing materials features several synthetic challenges including low solubility, narrow stability/reactivity, and limited selectivity. Therefore, the development of synthetic procedures also faces evident sustainability challenges. We have tackled these aspects by merging unconventional activation techniques with metrics-oriented synthetic design. Herein, we report a protocol that enables a fast access route to iodinated borazines which are useful substrates to access different post-functionalized more complex materials. The protocol uses simple and benign chemicals, is waste minimized (E-factor 2.79), and produces iodinated hexa-aryl borazines in good to excellent yields. An evaluation of green metrics, including EcoScale, is provided to quantify the advantages associated with the newly defined protocol.