Boranes, applications, synthetic derivs

The most important synthetic application of borane is for the preparation of alkyl boranes by addition to alkenes, aprocess known as hydroboration (5.1). Borane and its derivatives can also be used for reduction (see Section 7.3). The hydroboration reaction has been applied to a large number of alkenes of widely differing structures. In nearly all cases the addition proceeds rapidly at room temperature, and only the most hindered alkenes do not react. 

A brief review has recounted the discovery and applications of phosphametallocenes. The synthesis and structure of l,l -diphospha[2]ferrocenophane have also appeared these derivatives are obtained starting with 1-phenyl-3,4-dimethylphosphole-2-carboxaldehyde in a six-step synthetic procedure. A general mini-review on phosphorus heterocycles also highlights the synthesis and use of a number of phosphaferrocenes. A phospha-ferrocenium compound has also been prepared as its triiodide [Gp Fe(Ci2H2oP)][l3]- Borane adducts of phosphaferrocenes have also been obtained simply by treating the appropriate phosphaferrocenes with boron tribromide. 

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