Are halocarboranes suitable for substitution reactions? The case for 3-I-1,2-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁: Molecular orbital calculations, aryldehalogenation reactions, ¹¹B NMR interpretation of closo-carboranes, and molecular structures of 1-Ph-3-Br-1,2-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₀ and 3-Ph-1,2-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁

In this paper, the chemistry of 3-X-1,2-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁ (X = halogen) derivatives is extended. Molecular orbital and ¹¹B and ¹³C NMR calculations on these species are presented. A qualitative interpretation of the ¹¹B NMR spectra of closo o-carborane derivatives is also provided. The synthesis of 3-X-1-R-o-carborane (X = I, Br and R = Me, Ph) derivatives is reported, and aryldehalogenation at the B3 position is reported for the first time. The molecular and crystal structures of 1-phenyl-3-bromo- 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane and 3-phenyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane are described.