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Amine–Borane Dehydropolymerization: Challenges and Opportunities
Author(s) -
Colebatch Annie L.,
Weller Andrew S.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201804592
Subject(s) - boranes , scope (computer science) , borane , catalysis , nanotechnology , amine gas treating , polymer , materials science , substrate (aquarium) , chemistry , organic chemistry , computer science , boron , oceanography , programming language , geology
The dehydropolymerization of amine–boranes, exemplified as H 2 RB⋅NR′H 2 , to produce polyaminoboranes (HRBNR′H) n that are inorganic analogues of polyolefins with alternating main‐chain B−N units, is an area with significant potential, stemming from both fundamental (mechanism, catalyst development, main‐group hetero‐cross‐coupling) and technological (new polymeric materials) opportunities. This Concept article outlines recent advances in the field, covering catalyst development and performance, current mechanistic models, and alternative non‐catalytic routes for polymer production. The substrate scope, polymer properties and applications of these exciting materials are also outlined. Challenges and opportunities in the field are suggested, as a way of providing focus for future investigations.