Exploiting Boron Coordination: B←N Bond Supports a [2+2] Photodimerization in the Solid State and Generation of a Diboron Bis-Tweezer for Benzene/Thiophene Separation.

B←N coordination supports a [2+2] photodimerization in the solid state. The bond is defined by an orthogonal interaction between stilbazole and a phenylboronic ester to enable a stereocontrolled and rapid photoreaction. The cyclobutane photoproduct affords a novel diboron bis-tweezer adduct that is used to separate a mixture of benzene and thiophene upon crystallization.