BN Analogue of Butadiyne: A Platform for Dinitrogen Release and Reduction.

Exploration of the metallomimetic chemistry of main group elements is of the utmost importance from the perspective of both fundamental research and potential applications. Here, we report the synthesis, bonding analysis, and reactivities of an isolable diiminoborane, Mes*B≡N─N≡BMes* (Mes* = 2,4,6-tri- tert -butylphenyl) ( 1 ), a BN analogue of butadiyne. This species is characterized by a conjugated B≡N─N≡B moiety, a structural feature that enables the controlled release of N 2 when it is exposed to organic nitriles. Furthermore, the N 2 unit in 1 could be reduced to an ammonium salt via cleavage of the BN triple bond. Our work shows a rare example of an unsaturated BN system, serving as a platform for both the release and reduction of N 2 . This discovery opens new pathways and holds substantial influence on the future design of functional main group N 2 species.