Synthesis and Characterization of Tantalum(V) Boronate Clusters: Multifunctional Lewis Acid Cages for Binding Guests

Abstract

Open and shut cases: Tantalum(V) boronate clusters [(Cp*Ta)3(μ2-η2-RBO2)3(μ2-O)2(μ2-OH)(μ3-OH)] (Cp*=η5-C5Me5; 1: R=Ph, 2: R=iBu) with Lewis acidic cavities were prepared. Whereas the cavity of 2 is blocked by the iBu groups, that of 1 is open and can bind Lewis basic guests such as ketones (see picture) by interaction with one boronate and one μ3-OH ligand. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z700801_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.