Catalytic dealkylation of phosphates with binuclear boron compounds.

The Salen(tBu) ligand and its derivatives were used to prepare binuclear boron complexes. These compounds have the formula, L(BBr2)2 (L = Salpen(tBu) and Salben(tBu)). These are formed from the reaction of the corresponding L[B(OMe)2]2 with BBr3. They represent a new type of binuclear boron compound. These compounds are active towards the dealkylation of many phosphates. They are also catalytically active with a stoichiometric amount of BBr3 to trimethylphosphate.