A new approach for the synthesis of isonitrile carborane derivatives. Ligands for metal based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and boron neutron capture synovectomy (BNCS) agents.

A new approach for the synthesis of carborane isonitrile derivatives was developed. This approach involved the dehydration of both boron and carbon derived formamides using the Burgess reagent. The products, some of which were characterized by X-ray crystallography, can now be used as ligands for the synthesis of transition metal based boron neutron capture therapy and synovectomy agents and targeted radiopharmaceuticals.