Construction of Boron Difluoride Complexes with Asymmetric N,N'-Bidentate Ligands.

Boron difluoride (BF) complexes with asymmetrical N,N'-bidentate ligands have received increasing attention due to their fascinating properties and broad applications. They are generally constructed in two steps: ligand formation, followed by boron complexation. This review focuses on categorizing these BF complexes based on the key synthetic strategies that have been applied in the ligand formation steps. The post-functionalization, properties and applications of different types of BF complexes are presented. Their challenges and opportunities are also discussed. This should help the future rational design and synthesis of BF complexes with intriguing properties and practical applications.