Boron cluster organocatalysis

Icosahedral carboranes exhibit many chemical behaviors analogous to those of two-dimensional carbon-based aromatic systems while occupying a three-dimensional space similar to that of adamantanes. With the rise in organocatalysis, it is interesting to explore the capabilities of such a family of molecules as catalyst scaffolds. In this issue of Chem, Kona et al. reveal their use of carborane catalysts in arene halogenation. Icosahedral carboranes exhibit many chemical behaviors analogous to those of two-dimensional carbon-based aromatic systems while occupying a three-dimensional space similar to that of adamantanes. With the rise in organocatalysis, it is interesting to explore the capabilities of such a family of molecules as catalyst scaffolds. In this issue of Chem, Kona et al. reveal their use of carborane catalysts in arene halogenation.