Pairing Heterocyclic Cations with closo-Icosahedral Borane and Carborane Anions. I. Benchtop Aqueous Synthesis of Binary Triazolium and Imidazolium Salts with Limited Water Solubility

Ten new salts that pair triazolium and Imidazolium cations with closo-icosahedral anions [B(12)H(12)](2-) and [CB(11)H(12)](-) were synthesized In water solvent using an open-air, benchtop method. These unreported [Heterocyclium](2)[B(12)H(12)] and [Heterocyclium](CB(11)H(12)] salts extend reports of [Imidazolium][CB(11)H(12)] and [Pyridinium][CB(11)H(12)] salts that were synthesized in anhydrous organic solvents under an Inert atmosphere with glovebox or Schlenk techniques. Spectroscopic data, melting points, and densities are reported for each salt. Single-crystal X-ray structures are provided for the five new [B(12)H(12)](2-) salts.