Uses
B-Bromocatecholborane is a mild Lewis acid capable of selective cleavage of ether, ester and carbamate protecting groups; catalyst
for Diels-Alder reactions.
Preparation
B-Bromocatecholborane can be conveniently prepared by treating Catechol with Boron Tribromide. The
reagent is isolated by distillation as a moisture-sensitive, low-melting solid.
storage
B-Bromocatecholborane is a flammable solid, moisture sensitive; may be conveniently stored and
dispensed as a 0.2 M solution in dichloromethane. If properly protected from moisture, these solutions are
stable for a period of months
[1]. Use in a fume hood.
Purification Methods
Keep at 20o/15mm for some time and then fractionally distil. [Gerrard J Chem Soc 1529 1959, Beilstein 6 IV 5612.]
References
1. Boeckman Jr., R. K.; Potenza, J. C. TL 1985, 26, 1411.
