Radical trans-Hydroboration of Alkynes with N-Heterocyclic Carbene Boranes

Catalyst-Free α-trans-Selective Hydroboration and (E)-Selective Deuterated Semihydrogenation of Alkynyl Sulfones

Here, we present a straightforward α-trans-selective hydroboration of alkynyl sulfones with NHC-boranes without the need for a catalyst. This reaction is compatible with a wide range of substrates for efficiently producing structurally diverse α-borylated vinyl sulfones in satisfactory yields. The hydride transfer from NHC-borane 2a to alkynyl triflone 1b is studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations for trans-hydroboration. Moreover, a regiodivergent deuterated semihydrogenation of alkynyl triflones has also been developed using D2O as the deuterium source. A variety of diversity-oriented D-containing vinyl triflones were prepared in good to excellent yields with excellent deuterium incorporation ratios. Synthetic manipulations of the deuterated products are achieved for the conversion into valuable deuterated molecules, indicating the utility of this protocol.

Radical hydroboration for the synthesis of organoboron compounds

Organoboron compounds demonstrate diverse applications in the fields of organic synthesis, materials science, and medicinal chemistry. Compared to the conventional hydroboration reaction, radical hydroboration serves as an alternative approach for the synthesis of organoborons via different mechanisms. In radical hydroboration, a boryl radical is initially generated from homolytic cleavage of a B-H or a B-B bond, which is then added to an unsaturated double bond to deliver a carbon radical. Subsequent hydrogen atom transfer or reduction of the carbon radical to form a carbanion followed by protonation gave the final product. Over the past few years, numerous efforts have been made for efficient synthesis of boryl radicals and the expansion of substrate scope of the radical hydroboration reaction. Here, we discuss the recent advancement of radical hydroboration and its associated mechanisms. Numerous radical hydroboration strategies employing N-heterocyclic carbene borane, bis(pinacolato)diboron and pinacolborane as the boron source were illustrated. Thermochemical, photochemical and electrochemical strategies for the generation of boryl radicals were also discussed in detail.

Visible-Light-Induced trans-Hydroboration of Diaryl Alkynes Utilizing Excited State of Borate Complexes

We have developed visible-light-induced trans-hydroboration of diaryl alkynes via direct photoexcitation of in-situ-generated diboron complexes, affording previously elusive (E)-1,2-diaryl-vinylboronates with high stereoselectivity. Experimental, spectroscopic, and theoretical mechanistic studies revealed that the triplet-state borate complex facilitates B-B bond cleavage and the desired C-B bond formation. This methodology does not require any catalyst and is operationally simple. The highly borylated 1,2-diaryl alkenes [1-(2-borylphenyl)vinyl)boronates] are shown to be useful as building blocks.

Ligand-controlled regiodivergent Ni-catalyzed trans-hydroboration/carboboration of internal alkynes with B2pin2

Unprecedented regioselective trans-hydroboration and carboboration of unbiased electronically internal alkynes were realized via a nickel catalysis system with the aid of the directing group strategy. Furthermore, the excellent α- and β-regioselectivity could be accurately switched by the nitrogen ligand (terpy) and phosphine ligand (Xantphos). Mechanistic studies provided an insight into the rational reaction process, that underwent the cis-to-trans isomerization of alkenyl nickel species. This transformation not only expands the scope of transition-metal-catalyzed boration of internal alkynes but also, more particularly, portrays the vast prospects of the directing group strategy in the selective functionalization of unactivated alkynes.

Photocatalytic Boryl Radicals Triggered Sequential B─N/C─N Bond Formation to Assemble Boron-Handled Pyrazoles

Vinyldiazo compounds are one of the most important synthons in the construction of a cyclic ring. Most photochemical transformations of vinyldiazo compounds are mainly focusing on utilization of their C═C bond site, while reactions taking place at terminal nitrogen atom are largely unexplored. Herein, a photocatalytic cascade radical cyclization of LBRs with vinyldiazo reagents through sequential B─N/C─N bond formation is described. The reaction starts with the addition of LBRs (Lewis base-boryl radicals) at diazo site, followed by intramolecular radical cyclization to access a wide range of important boron-handled pyrazoles in good to excellent yields. Control experiments, together with detailed mechanism studies well explain the observed reactivity. Further studies demonstrate the utility of this approach for applications in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research.

Stereoselective Unsymmetrical 1,1-Diborylation of Alkynes with a Neutral sp2 -sp3 Diboron Reagent

The incorporation of two distinct boryl groups at the same carbon center in organic molecules has attracted growing research interest due to its potential for facilitating controlled, precise synthesis through stepwise dual carbon-boron bond transformations. Here we report a method to access unsymmetrical 1,1-diborylalkene (UDBA) stereoselectively via the reaction of readily available alkynes with a neutral sp2 -sp3 diboron reagent (NHC)BH2 -Bpin (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene). Attributing to the chemically easily distinguishable nature of the sp2 and sp3 boryl moieties, controllable stepwise derivatization of the resultant UDBAs is realized. This process leads to various multifunctionalized olefins and organoborons, such as acylboranes, which are difficult to prepare by other methods.

Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Borylation and Silylation Reactions

Due to their high versatility borylated and silylated compounds are inevitable synthons for organic chemists. To escape the classical hydroboration/hydrosilylation paradigm, chemists turned their attention to more modern and green methods such as photoredox chemistry and electrosynthesis. This account focuses on novel methods for the generation of boryl and silyl radicals to forge C-B and C-Si bonds from our group.

Facile Borylation of Alkenes, Alkynes, Imines, Arenes and Heteroarenes with N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Boranes and a Heterogeneous Semiconductor Photocatalyst

Although the development of radical chain and photocatalytic borylation reactions using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-borane as boron source is remarkable, the persistent problems, including the use of hazardous and high-energy radical initiators or the recyclability and photostability issues of soluble homogeneous photocatalysts, still leave great room for further development in a sustainable manner. Herein, we report a conceptually different approach toward highly functionalized organoborane synthesis by using recoverable ultrathin cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanosheets as a heterogeneous photocatalyst, and a general and mild borylation platform that enables regioselective borylation of a wide variety of alkenes (arylethenes, trifluoromethylalkenes, α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and nitriles), alkynes, imines and electron-poor aromatic rings with NHC-borane as boryl radical precursor. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that both photogenerated electrons and holes on the CdS fully perform their own roles, thereby resulting in enhancement of photocatalytic activity and stability of CdS.

LiOtBu-Promoted trans-Stereoselective and β-Regioselective Hydroboration of Propargyl Alcohols

A convenient and efficient trans-stereoselective and β-regioselective hydroboration of propargyl alcohols was achieved simply with LiOtBu as the base and (Bpin)2 as the boron reagent in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature. Both terminal and internal propargyl alcohols with diverse structures and functional groups underwent the transformation smoothly to produce β-Bpin-substituted (E)-allylic alcohols, of which the synthetic potentials were demonstrated by the downstream conversions of boronate, alkenyl, and hydroxyl groups.

Selective multifunctionalization of N-heterocyclic carbene boranes via the intermediacy of boron-centered radicals

The selective difunctionalization of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) boranes with alkenes has been achieved via decatungstate and thiol synergistic catalysis. The catalytic system also allows stepwise trifunctionalization, leading to complex NHC boranes with three different functional groups which are challenging to prepare by other methods. The strong hydrogen-abstracting ability of the excited decatungstate enables the generation of boryl radicals from mono- and di-substituted boranes for realizing borane multifunctionalization. This proof-of-principle research provides a new chance for fabricating unsymmetrical boranes and developing boron-atom-economic synthesis.

Photoinduced Dehydrogenative Borylation via Dihydrogen Bond Bridged Electron Donor and Acceptor Complexes

Air-stable amine- and phosphine-boranes are discovered as donors to integrate with pyridinium acceptor for generating photoactive electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes. Experimental results and DFT calculations suggest a dihydrogen bond bridging the donor and acceptor. Irradiating the EDA complex enables an intra-complex single electron transfer to give a boron-centered radical for dehydrogenative borylation with no need of external photosensitizer and radical initiator. The deprotonation of Wheland-like radical intermediate rather than its generation is believed to determine the good ortho-selectivity based on DFT calculations. A variety of α-borylated pyridine derivatives have been readily synthesized with good functional group tolerance.

Lewis Base-Boryl Radicals Enabled Borylation Reactions and Selective Activation of Carbon-Heteroatom Bonds

ConspectusThe past decades have witnessed tremendous progress on radical reactions. However, in comparison with carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and other main group element centered radicals, the synthetic chemistry of boron centered radicals was less studied, mainly due to the high electron-deficiency and instability of such 3-center-5-electron species. In the 1980s, Roberts and co-workers found that the coordination of a Lewis base (amines or phosphines) with the boron center could form 4-center-7-electron boryl radicals (Lewis base-boryl radicals, LBRs) that are found to be more stable. However, only limited synthetic applications were developed. In 2008, Curran and co-workers achieved a breakthrough with the discovery of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) boryl radicals, which could enable a range of radical reduction and polymerization reactions. Despite these exciting findings, more powerful and valuable synthetic applications of LBRs would be expected, given that the structures and reactivities of LBRs could be easily modulated, which would provide ample opportunities to discover new reactions. In this Account, a summary of our key contributions in LBR-enabled radical borylation reactions and selective activation of inert carbon-heteroatom bonds will be presented.Organoboron compounds have shown versatile applications in chemical society, and their syntheses rely principally on ionic borylation reactions. The development of mechanistically different radical borylation reactions allows synthesizing products that are inaccessible by traditional methods. For this purpose, we progressively developed a series of NHC-boryl radical mediated chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective radical borylation reactions of alkenes and alkynes, by which a wide variety of structurally diverse organoboron molecules were successfully prepared. The synthetic utility of these borylated products was also demonstrated. Furthermore, we disclosed a photoredox protocol for oxidative generation of NHC-boryl radicals, which enabled useful defluoroborylation and arylboration reactions.Selective bond activation is an ideal way to convert simple starting materials to value-added products, while the cleavage of inert chemical bonds, in particular the chemoselectivity control when multiple identical bonds are present in similar chemical environments, remains a long-standing challenge. We envisaged that finely tuning the properties of LBRs might provide a new solution to address this challenge. Recently, we disclosed a 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-boryl radical promoted sequential C-F bond functionalization of trifluoroacetic acid derivatives, in which the α-C-F bonds were selectively snipped via a spin-center shift mechanism. This strategy enables facile conversion of abundantly available trifluoroacetic acid to highly valuable mono- and difluorinated molecules. Encouraged by this finding, we further developed a boryl radical enabled three-step sequence to construct all-carbon quaternary centers from a range of trichloromethyl groups, where the three C-Cl bonds were selectively cleaved by the rational choice of suitable boryl radical precursors in each step. Furthermore, a boryl radical promoted dehydroxylative alkylation of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives was achieved, allowing for the efficient conversion of some biomass platform molecules to high value products.

Transition metal-free radical trans-hydroboration of alkynes with NHC-boranes via visible-light photoredox catalysis

Visible-light-induced 4-CzIPN-catalyzed trans-hydroboration of alkynes with NHC-boranes to generate diverse (E)-alkenylboranes with high selectivity.

Copper-catalyzed radical trans-selective hydroboration of ynamides with N-heterocyclic carbene boranes

Vinylboron compounds are important compounds in organic chemistry and biology. In this communication, we developed a copper(I)-catalyzed, highly regio- and stereoselective radical trans-hydroboration of ynamides with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-ligated borane is reported, which leads to a series of trans-boryl enmides that can be conveniently transformed into various multi-substituted enamides. Further investigation showcased that our method is robust and scalable. The mechanism of this unique reaction is studied and discussed.

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A Cu-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective radical trans-hydroboration of ynamides

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Good to excellent yields, good functional group tolerance

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Further investigation showcased that our method is robust and scalable

Radical borylation of vinyl azides with NHC-boranes: divergent synthesis of α-boryl ketones and borylated triazoles

A divergent radical borylation of vinyl azides with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) boranes in the presence of ^tBuSH is described. The protocol enables the divergent synthesis of α-boryl ketones and borylated triazoles with excellent functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope. Remarkably, this work shows that vinyl azides can serve as unprecedented five-atom synthons for the construction of 1,2,3-triazoles without N₂ extrusion.

Stereoselective hydrogen atom transfer to acyclic radicals: a switch enabling diastereodivergent borylative radical cascades

Radical cascade reactions are powerful tools to construct structurally complex molecules. However, the stereochemical control of acyclic radical intermediates remains a persistent challenge, due to the low differentiation between the two faces of these species. This hurdle further makes stereodivergent synthesis rather more difficult to be accomplished, in particular for intermediates resulted from complex cascades. Here we report an efficient strategy for stereoselective hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) to acyclic carbon radicals, which are generated via N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-boryl radicals triggered addition-translocation-cyclization cascades. A synergistic control by the NHC subunit and a thiol catalyst has proved effective for one facial HAT, while a ZnI2-chelation protocol allows for the preferential reaction to the opposite face. Such a stereoselectivity switch enables diastereodivergent construction of heterocycles tethering a boron-substituted stereocenter. Mechanistic studies suggest two complementary ways to tune HAT diastereoselectivity. The stereospecific conversions of the resulting boron-handled products to diverse functionalized molecules are demonstrated.

Catalytic Hydrofunctionalization Reactions of 1,3-Diynes

Metal-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization reactions of alkynes, i.e., the addition of Y–H units (Y = heteroatom or carbon) across the carbon–carbon triple bond, have attracted enormous attention for decades since they allow the straightforward and atom-economic access to a wide variety of functionalized olefins and, in its intramolecular version, to relevant heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds. Despite conjugated 1,3-diynes being considered key building blocks in synthetic organic chemistry, this particular class of alkynes has been much less employed in hydrofunctionalization reactions when compared to terminal or internal monoynes. The presence of two C≡C bonds in conjugated 1,3-diynes adds to the classical regio- and stereocontrol issues associated with the alkyne hydrofunctionalization processes’ other problems, such as the possibility to undergo 1,2-, 3,4-, or 1,4-monoadditions as well as double addition reactions, thus increasing the number of potential products that can be formed. In this review article, metal-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization reactions of these challenging substrates are comprehensively discussed.

Metal-free trans-hydroboration without a B-H bond: reactions of propargyl amines with Lewis acidic boranes

The first alkyne trans-hydroboration reaction without a B-H bond was described. This was achieved by reactions of propargyl amines with Lewis acidic boranes under mild conditions. The mechanism involved borane-mediated...

Photoinduced successive oxidative ring-opening and borylation of indolizines with NHC–boranes

A facile photoinduced successive oxidative ring-opening and borylation of indolizines with NHC–boranes via a one-pot method has been unveiled. This photo-promoted strategy enables the formation of unsaturated NHC–boryl carboxylates under transition metal-free and radical initiator-free conditions. A wide array of pyridine-containing NHC–boryl carboxylates were directly prepared in moderate to good yields. This work contributes to a better understanding of the reactivity and photo-behavior of both indolizines and NHC–boranes.

A facile photoinduced successive oxidative ring-opening and borylation of indolizines with NHC–boranes via a one-pot method has been unveiled. This photo-promoted strategy enables the formation of unsaturated NHC–boryl carboxylates under transition metal-free conditions.

Advances in chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene boryl radicals

Boron-centred radicals (boryl radicals) are potential and attractive species in main group chemistry and synthetic chemistry. Recently, the development of boron compounds ligated by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) has sparked off advavnces in boryl radical chemistry because NHCs can highly stabilise boryl radicals by electronic and steric factors. This review highlights recent synthesis and reactions of such NHC-boryl radicals. From the standpoint of main group chemistry, examples of isolation or detection of unique NHC-boryl radicals are presented. From the standpoint of synthetic chemistry, on the other hand, the development of reactions of user-friendly NHC-boryl radicals, which has contributed to radical chemistry, organoboron chemistry and polymer science, is comprehensively described.

Copper-Photocatalyzed Hydroboration of Alkynes and Alkenes

The photocatalytic hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes is reported. The use of newly-designed copper photocatalysts with B2 Pin2 permits the formation a boryl radical, which is used for hydroboration of a large panel of alkenes and alkynes. The hydroborated products were isolated in high yields, with excellent diastereoselectivities and a high functional group tolerance under mild conditions. The hydroboration reactions were developed under continuous flow conditions to demonstrate their synthetic utility. The reaction mechanism was studied and suggested an oxidation reaction between an in situ formed borate and the Cu-photocatalyst in its excited state for the boryl radical formation.

Radical Germylzincation of Aryl- and Alkyl-Substituted Internal Alkynes

The stereoselective germylzincation of internal alkynes delivering trisubstituted vinylgermanes is achieved via a radical chain process involving Ph₃GeH and Et₂Zn with AIBN as the initiator. Excellent levels of regiocontrol are observed for nonsymmetric (aryl, alkyl)-substituted alkynes and for propargylic alcohols with aryl-, alkyl-, or silyl-substituted alkynes. The germylzincation reaction can be combined in one pot with the Cu(I)-mediated electrophilic substitution of the C(sp²)-Zn bond to obtain synthetically challenging tetrasubstituted vinylgermanes.

Electrochemical Hydroboration of Alkynes

Herein we reported the electrochemical hydroboration of alkynes by using B₂Pin₂ as the boron source. This unprecedented reaction manifold was applied to a broad range of alkynes, giving the hydroboration products in good to excellent yields without the need of a metal catalyst or a hydride source. This transformation relied on the possible electrochemical oxidation of an in situ formed borate. This anodic oxidation performed in an undivided cell allowed the formation of a putative boryl radical, which reacted on the alkyne.

Radical Borylative Cyclization of Isocyanoarenes with N-Heterocyclic Carbene Borane: Synthesis of Borylated Aza-arenes

Borylated aza-arenes are of great importance in the area of organic synthesis. A radical borylative cyclization of isocyanoarenes with N-heterocyclic carbene borane (NHC-BH₃) under metal-free conditions was developed. The reaction allows the efficient assembly of several types of borylated aza-arenes (phenanthridines, benzothiazoles, etc.), which are difficult to access using alternative methods. Mild reaction conditions, a good functional-group tolerance, and generally good efficiencies were observed. The utility of these products is demonstrated, and the mechanism is discussed.

Inverse Hydroboration of Imines with NHC-Boranes Is Promoted by Diphenyl Disulfide and Visible Light

We describe a simple and efficient procedure for nucleophilic borylation of imines in the absence of a photoredox catalyst. Visible light irradiation of an acetonitrile solution of an imine, an NHC-borane, and diphenyl disulfide (10 mol %) provides various stable α-amino NHC-boranes in good yields. The reaction proceeds via addition of a nucleophilic boryl radical to an imine, followed by hydrogen abstraction from thiophenol, which is generated from NHC-borane and diphenyl disulfide.

Radical trans-Hydroboration of Substituted 1,3-Diynes with an N-Heterocyclic Carbene Borane

Monohydroboration of substituted 1,3-diynes with an N-heterocyclic carbene borane (NHC-borane) occurs under radical conditions using an azo initiator, such as ACCN and AIBN, and a thiol as a polarity-reversal catalyst. The reaction is highly regio- and stereoselective and provides stable NHC-(E)-alkynylalkenylboranes.

Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds used in photocatalysis

Organic compounds that show Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) have become wildly popular as next-generation emitters in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Since 2016, a subset of these have found increasing use as photocatalysts. This review comprehensively highlights their potential by documenting the diversity of the reactions where an organic TADF photocatalyst can be used in lieu of a noble metal complex photocatalyst. Beyond the small number of TADF photocatalysts that have been used to date, the analysis conducted within this review reveals the wider potential of organic donor-acceptor TADF compounds as photocatalysts. A discussion of the benefits of compounds showing TADF for photocatalysis is presented, which paints a picture of a very promising future for organic photocatalyst development.

DFT Investigation of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction from NHC-Boranes by Methyl, Ethyl and Cyanomethyl Radicals-Composition and Correlation Analysis of Kinetic Barriers

Understanding the hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) reactions of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-boranes is essential for extending the practical applications of boron chemistry. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed for the HAA reactions of a series of NHC-boranes attacked by ^•CH₂CN, Me^• and Et^• radicals. Using the computed data, we investigated the correlations of the activation and free energy barriers with their components, including the intrinsic barrier, the thermal contribution of the thermodynamic reaction energy to the kinetic barriers, the activation Gibbs free energy correction and the activation zero-point vibrational energy correction. Furthermore, to describe the dependence of the activation and free energy barriers on the thermodynamic reaction energy or reaction Gibbs free energy, we used a three-variable linear model, which was demonstrated to be more precise than the two-variable Evans–Polanyi linear free energy model and more succinct than the three-variable Marcus-theory-based nonlinear HAA model. The present work provides not only a more thorough understanding of the compositions of the barriers to the HAA reactions of NHC-boranes and the HAA reactivities of the substrates but also fresh insights into the suitability of various models for describing the relationships between the kinetic and thermodynamic physical quantities.

New Radical Borylation Pathways for Organoboron Synthesis Enabled by Photoredox Catalysis

Radical borylation using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-BH₃ complexes as boryl radical precursors has emerged as an important synthetic tool for organoboron assembly. However, the majority of reported methods are limited to reaction modes involving carbo- and/or hydroboration of specific alkenes and alkynes. Moreover, the generation of NHC-boryl radicals relies principally on hydrogen atom abstraction with the aid of radical initiators. A distinct radical generation method is reported, as well as the reaction pathways of NHC-boryl radicals enabled by photoredox catalysis. NHC-boryl radicals are generated via a single-electron oxidation and subsequently undergo cross-coupling with the in-situ-generated radical anions to yield gem-difluoroallylboronates. A photoredox-catalyzed radical arylboration reaction of alkenes was achieved using cyanoarenes as arylating components from which elaborated organoborons were accessed. Mechanistic studies verified the oxidative formation of NHC-boryl radicals through a single-electron-transfer pathway.

Visible-Light-Induced Selective Defluoroborylation of Polyfluoroarenes, gem-Difluoroalkenes, and Trifluoromethylalkenes

Fluorinated organoboranes serve as versatile synthetic precursors for the preparation of value-added fluorinated organic compounds. Recent progress has been mainly focused on the transition-metal catalyzed defluoroborylation. Herein, we report a photocatalytic defluoroborylation platform through direct B-H activation of N-heterocyclic carbene boranes, through the synergistic merger of a photoredox catalyst and a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst. This atom-economic and operationally simple protocol has enabled defluoroborylation of an extremely broad scope of multifluorinated substrates including polyfluoroarenes, gem-difluoroalkenes, and trifluoromethylalkenes in a highly selective fashion. Intriguingly, the defluoroborylation protocol can be transition-metal free, and the regioselectivity obtained is complementary to the reported transition-metal-catalysis in many cases.

The Thermal Rearrangement of an NHC-Ligated 3-Benzoborepin to an NHC-Boranorcaradiene

An N-heterocyclic-carbene-ligated 3-benzoborepin with a bridged structure has been synthesized by double radical trans-hydroboration of benzo[3,4]cycloundec-3-ene-1,5-diyne with an N-heterocyclic carbene borane. The thermal reaction of the NHC-ligated borepin at 150 °C gives an isolable NHC-boranorcaradiene. Experiments and density functional theory calculations support a mechanism whereby the borepin initially rearranges to a boranorcaradiene by a thermal 6π-electrocyclic reaction. This is followed by 1,5-boron shift to give a rearranged boranorcaradiene. This shift occurs with stereoinversion at boron through a transition state with open-shell diradical character. This is the first example of the isolation of a boranorcaradiene from a thermal reaction of a borepin.

Copper-Catalyzed Triboration of Terminal Alkynes Using B2 pin2 : Efficient Synthesis of 1,1,2-Triborylalkenes

We report herein the catalytic triboration of terminal alkynes with B2 pin2 (bis(pinacolato)diboron) using readily available Cu(OAc)2 and Pn Bu3 . Various 1,1,2-triborylalkenes, a class of compounds that have been demonstrated to be potential matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) inhibitors, were obtained directly in moderate to good yields. The process features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. This copper-catalyzed reaction can be conducted on a gram scale to produce the corresponding 1,1,2-triborylalkenes in modest yields. The utility of these products was demonstrated by further transformations of the C-B bonds to prepare gem-dihaloborylalkenes (F, Cl, Br), monohaloborylalkenes (Cl, Br), and trans-diaryldiborylalkenes, which serve as important synthons and have previously been challenging to prepare.

Reactions of a BICAAC with hydroboranes: propensity for Lewis adduct formation and carbene insertion into the B-H bond

The reactivity of a bicyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (BICAAC) towards different boranes has been examined in the present work. The reactions with boranes BX3·SMe2 (X = H, Cl, Br), BF3·OEt2 and BCl3 yield Lewis adducts [BICAAC·BH3] (1), [BICAAC·BHCl2] (2), [BICAAC·BH2Cl] (3), [BICAAC·BF3] (4), [BICAAC·BCl3] (5) and [BICAAC·BBr3] (6) respectively, whereas more hydridic boranes, 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) and catecholborane (HBcat), enable the insertion of the carbene carbon into the B-H bond to form [BICAAC(H)-(9-BBN)] (7) and [BICAAC(H)-Bcat] (8). These complexes are the first examples of BICAAC-boron compounds and have been characterized using IR, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, HRMS spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Computational analyses were also performed to gain insight into the mechanism of B-H bond activation and adduct formation. Furthermore, the reactions of the BICAAC with boranes have been compared with the known reactions of CAACs and NHCs.