Reactions of oxonium derivatives of [B12H12]2− with sulphur nucleophiles. Synthesis of novel B12-based mercaptanes, sulfides and nucleosides

Cleavage of oxonium derivatives of [B12H12]2− by various S-nucleophiles was studied. Reactions of tetrabutylammonium 1-tetramethylene-(3-oxa)-oxonium-closo-undecahydrododecaborate with thiourea and a series of thiols resulted in novel B12-based mercaptane, aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic sulfides with high yields under mild conditions. This approach was also used for the preparation of novel guanosine derivative of [B12H12]2−.