Supramolecular Architectures Bearing Half-Sandwich Iridium- or Rhodium-Based Carboranes: Design, Synthesis, and Applications

The utilization of carboranes in supramolecular chemistry has attracted considerable attention. The unique spatial configuration and weak interaction forces of carboranes can help to explore the properties of supramolecular complexes, particularly via host–guest chemistry. Additionally, certain difficulties encountered in carborane development─such as controlled B–H bond activation─can be overcome by judiciously selecting metal centers and their adjacent ligands. However, few studies are being conducted in this nascent research area. With advances in this field, novel carborane-based supramolecular complexes will likely be prepared, structurally characterized, and intrinsically investigated. To expedite these efforts, we present major findings from recent studies, including π–π interactions, host–guest associations, and steric effects, which have been leveraged to implement a regioselective process for activating B(2,9)–, B(2,8)–, and B(2,7)–H bonds of para -carboranes and B(4,7)–H bonds of ortho -carboranes. Future studies should clarify the unique weak interactions of carboranes and their potential for enhancing the utility of supramolecular complexes. Although carboranes exhibit several unique weak interactions (such as dihydrogen-bond B δ+ –H δ− ···H δ+ –C δ− , B δ+ –H δ− ···M +, and B δ+ –H δ− ···π interactions), the manner in which they can be utilized remains unclear. Supramolecular complexes, particularly those based on host–guest chemistry, can be utilized as a platform for demonstrating potential applications of these weak interactions. Owing to the importance of alkane separation, applications related to the recognition and separation of alkane isomers via dihydrogen-bond interactions are primarily summarized. Advances in the research of unique weak interactions in carboranes will certainly lead to more possibilities for supramolecular chemistry.