Supramolecular chemistry, carborane

The supramolecular chemistry of carborane clusters received significant impulses in the 1990s with the development of two types of compounds the arene-coupled macrocyclic systems incorporating ctoio-carboranes, and the mercuracarborands. 

The rapid development of carborane chemistry is mainly due to their practical applications. For instance, the potential utility of carborane polymers as gaskets, O-rings, and electrical connector inserts has been reported. Their functionality for solvent extraction of radionuchdes as well as the potential medicinal value of the isoelectronic and isostructural boron analogues of biologically important molecules has been the subject of many review articles. For example, a number of boron compounds have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity in animal model studies. Boron compounds have also been implicated in studies designed to probe the importance of the so-called anionic subsite of acetylcholine esterase and Ach receptors. But, by far the most interesting practical apphcations of carboranes are in areas of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and supramolecular assembly. 

---