Study of the transmetallation of silicon derivatives of o-carboranes on treatment with BunLi

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/BF02495657

Silyl-substituted o-carboranes 1-R-2-Me₃Si(CH₂)_n-1,2-C₂B ₁₀H₁₀ (R = Me, Ph; n = 0, 1) undergo transmetallation on treatment with BuⁿLi to form lithium derivatives of o-carboranes, 1-R-2-Li(CH₂)_n-1,2-C₂B₁₀H ₁₀, where n = 0, 1. A silicon derivative of o-carborane, 1-Ph-2-(Me₃SiCHPh)-1,2-C₂B₁₀H₁₀, undergoes neither transmetallation nor metallation at the benzyl CH-group on treatment with BuⁿLi due to significant steric hindrance.