Flash Communication: Silylene–Borane Cooperative Activation of Pyridines

The development of main-group compounds for the activation
of inert
bonds is crucial for transition-metal-free catalysis. Herein, we report
the synthesis and characterization of a carboranyl silylene–borane
(1). The cooperative interaction between silylene and
borane moieties enables 1 to activate pyridine, 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine
and 4-dimethylaminopyridine, leading to the formation of azasilepins.
These results illustrate a novel main-group cooperative platform for
bond activation, underscoring its potential to advance molecular transformations.