Abstract

This review is intended to cover the developments in the chemistry of poly(azolyl)borates, derived from triazoles, imidazoles, oxazolines, thioimidazoles and related systems, based on the main synthetic methods, coordination properties, spectroscopic and structural features of this important class of ligands. The subject matter has been divided into the main categories: (i) N-donor boron-centered ligands, (ii) soft S-donor boron-centered ligands and (iii) hybrid scorpionate ligands. In this review we provide essential information to allow the reader to probe more deeply into the main aspects of the chemistry of these fascinating and flexible ligands. This review would also demonstrate the enormous potential of poly(azolyl)borates chemistry by discussing the future perspectives in this field.

Keywords: Scorpionates, poly(azolyl)borates, triazoles, tetrazoles, oxazoles, imidazoles, thioimidazoles, boratranes, poly(thioalkyl)borates, poly(phosphinomethyl)borates, hybrid systems, synthesis, coordination properties