Reaction of trimethylthioborate, B(SMe)3, with triisothiocyanatoborane, B(NCS)3, at room temperature gives mixtures containing B(SMe)3, the mixed compounds B(NCS)(SMe)2 and B(NCS)2(SMe) in low concentration, and association compounds. The previous compounds cannot be isolated due to equilibria being set up. Mass spectrometry, infrared and nmr data are reported. Structures involving S–B donor–acceptor bonds between the monomers are proposed for the association compounds {B(NCS)2(SMe)}2, {B(NCS)2(SMe)}2{B(NCS)3}, and {B(NCS)2(SMe)}2{B(NCS)3}2. Reaction of these compounds with trimethylamine yields Me3NB(NCS)3 and Me3NB(NCS)2(SMe). The same reaction with dimethylsulphide is incomplete and yields only Me2SB(NCS)3. Acidity strength decreases in the order B(NCS)3 > B(NCS)2(SMe) > B(NCS)(SMe)2 > B(SMe)3. This trend explains why dimerization of B(NCS)2(SMe) occurs whereas B(NCS)(SMe)2 is unassociated.
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