Synthesis, characterization and antifungal studies of arylspiroborates derived from 4-nitrocatechol

► Arylspiroborates are presented. ► Reactions with boric acid, 4-nitrocatechol and hydroxides. ► Antifungal studies preformed. ► Boron based wood preservatives. A family of arylspiroborates has been prepared by the addition of 4-nitrocatechol, boric acid and either an alkali metal hydroxide or an ammonium hydroxide. All compounds were characterized fully using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and by elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction was carried out on triethylmethylammonium 4-nitro[1,2-benzenediolato(2-)-O,O′]borate ( 5). All new compounds were tested for potential fungicidal activity.