Advances in the catalytic and photocatalytic behavior of carborane derived metal complexes

Boron clusters whose geometrical shape is that of an icosahedron in combination with a transition metal have been used as homogeneous phase catalysts for significant reactions of practical interest. Key features include the formation of B-M-H or B-H-M bonds, their arrangement at the periphery of the cluster or with the metal forming part of the cluster, their interaction with light without photoluminescence losses, their great capacity for SET reactions, a fantastic catalyst-substrate ratio and water as a solvent.