Catecholborane

Catecholborane (abbreviated HBcat) is an organoboron compound that is useful in organic synthesis. This colourless liquid is a derivative of catechol and a borane, having the formula C6H4O2BH. Catecholborane (abbreviated HBcat) is an organoboron compound that is useful in organic synthesis. This colourless liquid is a derivative of catechol and a borane, having the formula C6H4O2BH. Traditionally catecholborane is produced by treating catechol with borane (BH3) in a cooled solution of THF. However, this method results in a loss of 2 mole equivalents of the hydride. Nöth and Männig devised a more economical method involves the reaction of alkali-metal boron hydride (LiBH4, NaBH4, of KBH4) with tris(catecholato)bisborane in an ethereal solvent such as diethyl ether. In 2001 Herbert Brown released an additional procedure for catecholborane synthesis. His method involves treating tri-O-phenylene bis-borate with diborane in a solution of either triglyme or tetraglyme. Brown claimed his method produces 85% yield of 97% pure product, catecholborane.