Polycyclic π-Electron System with Boron at Its Center

We disclose a new planarized triarylborane in which the tri-coordinated boron atom is embedded in a fully fused polycyclic pi-conjugated skeleton. The compound shows high stability toward oxygen, water, and silica gel, despite the absence of steric protection around the B atom. Reflecting the electron-donating character of the pi-skeleton and the electron-accepting character of the B atom, this compound shows broad absorption bands that cover the entire visible region and a fluorescence in the visible/near-IR region. In addition, this compound shows dramatic property changes upon formation of a tetra-coordinated borate, such as thermochromic behavior in the presence of pyridine.