Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Boronic Esters with Aryl Iodides and Application to the Carboboration of Alkynes and Allenes

Copper-catalyzed remote double functionalization of allenynes

Addition reactions of molecules with conjugated or non-conjugated multiple unsaturated C-C bonds are very attractive yet challenging due to the versatile issues of chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivities. Especially for the readily available conjugated allenyne compounds, the reactivities have not been explored. The first example of copper-catalyzed 2,5-hydrofunctionalization and 2,5-difunctionalization of allenynes, which provides a facile access to versatile conjugated vinylic allenes with a C-B or C-Si bond, has been developed. This mild protocol has a broad substrate scope tolerating many synthetically useful functional groups. Due to the highly functionalized nature of the products, they have been demonstrated as platform molecules for the efficient syntheses of monocyclic products including poly-substituted benzenes, bicyclic compounds, and highly functionalized allene molecules.

Remote-carbonyl-directed sequential Heck/isomerization/C(sp2)-H arylation of alkenes for modular synthesis of stereodefined tetrasubstituted olefins

Modular and regio-/stereoselective syntheses of all-carbon tetrasubstituted olefins from simple alkene materials remain a challenging project. Here, we demonstrate that a remote-carbonyl-directed palladium-catalyzed Heck/isomerization/C(sp2)-H arylation sequence enables unactivated 1,1-disubstituted alkenes to undergo stereoselective terminal diarylation with aryl iodides, thus offering a concise approach to construct stereodefined tetrasubstituted olefins in generally good yields under mild conditions; diverse carbonyl groups are allowed to act as directing groups, and various aryl groups can be introduced at the desired position simply by changing aryl iodides. The stereocontrol of the protocol stems from the compatibility between the E/Z isomerization and the alkenyl C(sp2)-H arylation, where the vicinal group-directed C(sp2)-H arylation of the Z-type intermediate product thermodynamically drives the reversible E to Z isomerization. Besides, the carbonyl group not only promotes the Pd-catalyzed sequential transformations of unactivated alkenes by weak coordination, but also avoids byproducts caused by other possible β-H elimination.

Copper-Metallized Porous N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand Polymer-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective 1,2-Carboboration of Alkynes

Alkenylboronates are highly versatile building blocks and valuable reagents in the synthesis of complex molecules. Compared with that of monosubstituted alkenylboronates, the synthesis of multisubstituted alkenylboronates is challenging. The copper-catalyzed carboboration of alkynes is an operationally simple and straightforward method for synthesizing bis/trisubstituted alkenylboronates. In this work, a series of copper-metallized N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) ligand porous polymer catalysts are designed and synthesized in accordance with the mechanism of carboboration. By using CuCl@POL-NHC-Ph as the optimal nanocatalyst, this study realizes the β-regio- and stereoselective (syn-addition) 1,2-carboboration of alkynes (regioselectivity up to >99:1) with satisfactory yields and a wide range of substrates. This work not only overcomes the selectivity of carboboration but also provides a new strategy for the design of nanocatalysts and their application in organic synthesis.

Acyclic Boryl Complexes of Copper(I)

Reaction of (6-Dipp)CuOtBu (6-Dipp=C{NDippCH2 }2 CH2 , Dipp=2,6-iPr2 C6 H3 ) with B2 (OMe)4 provided access to (6-Dipp)CuB(OMe)2 via σ-bond metathesis. (6-Dipp)CuB(OMe)2 was characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography and shown to be a monomeric acyclic boryl of copper. (6-Dipp)CuB(OMe)2 reacted with ethylene and diphenylacetylene to provide insertion compounds into the Cu-B bond which were characterised by NMR spectroscopy in both cases and X-ray crystallography in the latter. It was also competent in the rapid catalytic deoxygenation of CO2 in the presence of excess B2 (OMe)4 . Alongside π-insertion, (6-Dipp)CuB(OMe)2 reacted with LiNMe2 to provide a salt metathesis reaction at boron, giving (6-Dipp)CuB(OMe)NMe2 , a second monomeric acyclic boryl, which also cuproborated diphenylacetylene. Computational interrogation validated these acyclic boryl species to be electronically similar to (6-Dipp)CuBpin.

Ni-Catalyzed 1,2-Alkyl Borylation and Silylation of Allenes En Route to [1,3]-Bis-Organometallic Reagents

A nickel-catalyzed multicomponent reaction that rapidly and reliably accesses [1,3]-bis-organometallic reagents from allenes is reported. The protocol exhibits a predictable regioselectivity pattern that enables the incorporation of B,B(Si) fragments across the allene backbone under mild conditions, thus offering a complementary platform for accessing polyorganometallic reagents possessing both sp2 and sp3 hybridization from readily available precursors.

A General Copper Catalytic System for Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Unactivated Secondary and Primary Alkyl Halides with Arylborons

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplings (SMC) are powerful tools for the construction of carbon-carbon bonds. However, the couplings of sp3-hybridized alkyl halides with arylborons often encounter several problematic issues such as sluggish oxidation addition of alkyl halides and competitive β-hydride elimination side pathways of metal-alkyl species. In precedent reports, copper is mainly utilized for the coupling of sp2-aryl halides, and the cross-couplings with unactivated alkyl halides are far less reported. Herein, we demonstrate that a high-efficiency copper system enabled the coupling of arylborons with various unactivated secondary and primary alkyl halides including bromides, iodides, and even robust chlorides. The present system features broad scope, excellent functionality tolerance, scalability, and practicality. Moreover, the current system could be applied for the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules in moderate to high efficiency.

Iterative Dual-Metal and Energy Transfer Catalysis Enables Stereodivergence in Alkyne Difunctionalization: Carboboration as Case Study

Stereochemically defined tetrasubstituted olefins are widespread structural elements of organic molecules and key intermediates in organic synthesis. However, flexible methods enabling stereodivergent access to E and Z isomers of fully substituted alkenes from a common precursor represent a significant challenge and are actively sought after in catalysis, especially those amenable to complex multifunctional molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that iterative dual-metal and energy transfer catalysis constitutes a unique platform for achieving stereodivergence in the difunctionalization of internal alkynes. The utility of this approach is showcased by the stereodivergent synthesis of both stereoisomers of tetrasubstituted β-boryl acrylates from internal alkynoates with excellent stereocontrol via sequential carboboration and photoisomerization. The reluctance of electron-deficient internal alkynes to undergo catalytic carboboration has been overcome through cooperative Cu/Pd-catalysis, whereas an Ir complex was identified as a versatile sensitizer that is able to photoisomerize the resulting sterically crowded alkenes. Mechanistic studies by means of quantum-chemical calculations, quenching experiments, and transient absorption spectroscopy have been applied to unveil the mechanism of both steps.

Three-Component Cross-Electrophile Coupling: Regioselective Electrochemical Dialkylation of Alkenes

The cross-electrophile dialkylation of alkenes enables the formation of two C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds from readily available starting materials in a single transformation, thereby providing a modular and expedient approach to building structural complexity in organic synthesis. Herein, we exploit the disparate electronic and steric properties of alkyl halides with varying degrees of substitution to accomplish their selective activation and addition to alkenes under electrochemical conditions. This method enables regioselective dialkylation of alkenes without the use of a transition-metal catalyst and provides access to a diverse range of synthetically useful compounds.

Multicomponent Reaction: Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Borocarbonylation of Aryldiazonium Salts with Aliphatic Terminal Alkynes to gem-Bis(boryl) Ketones

We report the development of Pd/Cu-catalyzed selective 2,1-borocarbonylation reactions of aliphatic terminal alkynes with aryldiazonium salts and B2 Pin2 to prepare gem-bis(boryl) ketones in one-pot. A series of corresponding products are obtained with good to excellent yields under a carbon monoxide atmosphere (10 bar). In addition, wide functional-group tolerance can be observed. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that ethyl acetate serves as a proton source in the reaction.

Multicomponent Reaction: Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Coupling and Boration of Acyl Chlorides and Alkynes to β-Boryl Ketones

An unprecedented and challenging multicomponent reaction has been developed that allows for the direct transformation of acyl chlorides with alkynes into the corresponding saturated β-boryl ketones via Pd/Cu-catalyzed coupling and boration with ethyl acetate as the hydrogen sources. Various β-boryl ketones were synthesized in good to excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance. In addition, the introduction of boron groups into the products provides substantial opportunities for further conversions.

A syn outer-sphere oxidative addition: the reaction mechanism in Pd/Senphos-catalyzed carboboration of 1,3-enynes

We report a combined experimental and computational study of Pd/Senphos-catalyzed carboboration of 1,3-enynes utilizing DFT calculations, ³¹P NMR study, kinetic study, Hammett analysis and Arrhenius/Eyring analysis. Our mechanistic study provides evidence against the conventional inner-sphere β-migratory insertion mechanism. Instead, a syn outer-sphere oxidative addition mechanism featuring a Pd-π-allyl intermediate followed by coordination-assisted rearrangements is consistent with all the experimental observations.

Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergent Cyanoboration of Internal Allenes by Copper Catalysis

The first copper-catalyzed regiodivergent cyanoboration of internal allenes with B₂ pin₂ (bis(pinacolato)diboron) and NCTS (N-cyano-N-phenyl-p-toluenesulfonamide) derivatives is reported. The β,γ- and α,β-cyanoborylated products were synthesized with high regio- and stereo-selectivity. Computational studies revealed that nucleophilic addition of allylcopper or related intermediates on cyanation reagent is the regio- and stereo-determining step, while transmetalation with B₂ pin₂ is the rate-determining step. The nucleophilic addition step proceeds via inner-sphere mechanism in the Cu^I /P(o-tol)₃ and Cu^I /Xantphos (P(o-tol)₃ =tris(o-methylphenyl)phosphine, Xantphos=4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene) catalytic systems and via outer-sphere mechanism in the Cu^II /Xantphos catalytic system, respectively.

Copper-Catalyzed Homocoupling of Boronic Acids: A Focus on B-to-Cu and Cu-to-Cu Transmetalations

Controlling and understanding the Cu-catalyzed homocoupling reaction is crucial to prompt the development of efficient Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The presence of a coordinating base (hydroxide and methoxide) enables the B-to-Cu(II) transmetalation from aryl boronic acid to CuIICl2 in methanol, through the formation of mixed Cu-(μ-OH)-B intermediates. A second B-to-Cu transmetalation to form bis-aryl Cu(II) complexes is disfavored. Instead, organocopper(II) dimers undergo a coupled transmetalation-electron transfer (TET) allowing the formation of bis-organocopper(III) complexes readily promoting reductive elimination. Based on this mechanism some guidelines are suggested to control the undesired formation of homocoupling product in Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

Development of a General Method for the Hiyama-Denmark Cross-Coupling of Tetrasubstituted Vinyl Silanes

General conditions for the Hiyama-Denmark cross-coupling of tetrasubstituted vinyl silanes and aryl halides are reported. Prior reports of Hiyama-Denmark reactions of tetrasubstituted vinyl silanes have required the use of vinyl silanols or silanolates, which are challenging to handle, or internally activated vinyl silanes, which lack structural generality. Now, unactivated tetrasubstituted vinyl silanes, bearing bench-stable tetraorganosilicon centers, and aryl halides can be coupled. The key to this discovery is the identification of dimethyl(5-methylfuryl)vinylsilanes as bench stable and easily prepared cross-coupling partners that are readily activated under mild conditions in Hiyama-Denmark couplings. These palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings proceed well with aryl chlorides, though aryl bromides and iodides are also tolerated, and the reactions display high stereospecificity in the formation of tetrasubstituted alkenes. In addition, only a mild base (KOSiMe3) and common solvents (THF/DMA) are required, and importantly toxic additives (such as 18-crown-6) are not needed. We also show that these conditions are equally applicable to Hiyama-Denamrk coupling of trisubstituted vinyl silanes.

Synthesis of gem-Difluorinated 1,3-Dienes via Synergistic Cu/Pd-Catalyzed Borodifluorovinylation of Alkynes

gem-Difluoroalkenes (=CF₂), which normally act as metabolically stable bioisosteres for carbonyl groups (C═O), are widely applied in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals and are also used as building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein, an example of Cu/Pd-catalyzed borodifluorovinylation was achieved using alkynes, difluoroethylene bromide, and B₂pin₂ as chemical feedstocks, providing the corresponding conjugated gem-difluoroalkene scaffold with good functional group compatibility. Moreover, an array of fluorinated synthons can be obtained through further transformations.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Borylated Alkenes for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Double Bond

The stereoselective formation of tetrasubstituted alkenes remains one of the key goals of modern organic synthesis. In addition to other methods, the stereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted alkenes can be achieved by means of cross-coupling reactions of electrophilic and nucleophilic alkene templates. The use of electrophilic templates for the stereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted alkenes has previously been described. Therefore, the present review summarizes the procedures available for the stereoselective preparation of tetrasubstituted alkenes using stable and isolable nucleophilic templates.

Cu-catalyzed carboboration of acetylene with Michael acceptors

A copper-catalyzed three-component carboboration of acetylene with B2Pin2 and Michael acceptors is reported. In this reaction, a cheap and abundant C2 chemical feedstock, acetylene, was used as a starting material to afford cis-alkenyl boronates bearing a homoallylic carbonyl group. The reaction was robust and could be reliably performed on the molar scale. Furthermore, the resulting cis-alkenyl boronates could be converted to diverse functionalized molecules with ease.

A detailed theoretical investigation to unravel the molecular mechanism of the ligand-free copper-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction

The Suzuki-Miyaura coupling (SMC) represents a very efficacious method for constructing C-C bonds in organic synthesis. The ligand-free variants of SMC have been grabbing attention these days. Despite this momentousness, the mechanistic details of the ligand-free variants are scant in the literature. Herein, we have carried out a detailed mechanistic investigation into the ligand-free Cu-catalyzed SMC of unsaturated organic halides with aryl boronic acid with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) method. The present study elucidates that in the absence of ancillary ligands on the metal, the substrates, base, and solvent molecules could act as pseudo-ancillary ligands to facilitate the cross-coupling reaction. The investigation further revealed that unsaturated halides like alkynyl halides/vinyl halides could act as good ancillary ligands for copper by forming a Cu-π intermediate and promoting a facile transmetalation process. However, regarding the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps, a concerted pathway is observed contrary to Pd catalyzed Suzuki coupling, owing to the instability of Cu(III) species and the favourability of Csp²-Csp bond formation. In the whole set of mechanisms explored, oxidative addition/oxidative nucleophilic substitution was the rate-determining step in all the cases. A thermodynamically stable π-coordinated intermediate species where the substrate and base molecule are coordinated to the metal center is identified as the rate-determining species for the ligand-free Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The presence of the aforesaid intermediate increases the energy span and consequently the activation barrier for the rate-determining step. This study unveiled a theoretical rationale for the high-temperature requirement in the ligand-free Cu-catalyzed SMC reaction.

(CAAC)Copper Catalysis Enables Regioselective Three-Component Carboboration of Terminal Alkynes

Cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) ligands are found to perturb regioselectivity of the copper-catalyzed carboboration of terminal alkynes, favoring the less commonly observed internal alkenylboron regiosomer through an α-selective borylcupration step. A variety of carbon electrophiles participate in the reaction, including allyl alcohols derivatives and alkyl halides. The method provides a straightforward and selective route to versatile tri-substituted alkenylboron compounds that are otherwise challenging to access.

A metal-free tandem dehydrogenative α-arylation reaction of propargylic alcohols with 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes toward the synthesis of α-(4-bromo-isoquinolin-1-yl)-propenone skeletons

A tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes with propargylic alcohols has been developed for the synthesis of α-(4-bromo-isoquinolin-1-yl)-propenones. Employing 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes as a precursor in the presence of Br₂ generates 4-bromo-isoquinoline-N-oxides. Subsequently, dehydroxylation of propargylic alcohols gives carbocation intermediates, which are trapped using the N-oxides, affording aryl-substituted α-enones.

Copper-catalyzed switchable cyclization of alkyne-tethered α-bromocarbonyls: selective access to quinolin-2-ones and quinoline-2,4-diones

Copper-catalyzed cyclization of alkynes has played a significant role in modern catalytic chemistry.

Recent advances in Cu-catalyzed transformations of internal alkynes to alkenes and heterocycles

Numerous metal-catalyzed reactions involving internal alkynes and aimed towards synthetically and pharmacologically important alkenes and heterocycles have appeared in the literature. Among these, Cu-catalyzed reactions have a special place, which has prompted the investigation and development of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. These reactions possess wide scope, and during the paths of these reactions, either stable or in situ intermediates are formed via the addition of Cu as a core catalyst or synergistic catalyst. In this review, we aim to report different contributions relating to Cu-catalyzed reactions of internal alkynes for the synthesis of different valuable alkenes and heterocycles which have appeared in the literature in the last decade. We anticipate that this appraisal will deliver basic insights for the further advancement of Cu-catalyzed reactions in organic chemistry.

Three-Component Difunctionalization of Cyclohexenyl Triflates: Direct Access to Versatile Cyclohexenes via Cyclohexynes

Difunctionalization of strained cyclic alkynes presents a powerful strategy to build richly functionalized cyclic alkenes in an expedient fashion. Herein we disclose an efficient and flexible approach to achieve carbohalogenation, dicarbofunctionalization, aminohalogenation and aminocarbonation of readily available cyclohexenyl triflates. We have demonstrated the novel use of zincate base/nucleophile system for effective formation of key cyclohexyne intermediates and selective addition of various carbon and nitrogen nucleophiles. Importantly, leveraging the resulting organozincates enables the incorporation of a broad range of electrophilic partners to deliver structurally diverse cyclohexene motifs. The importance and utility of this method is also exemplified by the modularity of this approach and the ease in which even highly complex polycyclic scaffolds can be accessed in one step.

C-Boron Enolates Enable Palladium Catalyzed Carboboration of Internal 1,3-Enynes

A new family of carbon-bound boron enolates, generated by a kinetically controlled halogen exchange between chlorocatecholborane and silylketene acetals, is described. These C-boron enolates are demonstrated to activate 1,3-enyne substrates in the presence of a Pd⁰ /Senphos ligand complex, resulting in the first examples of a carboboration reaction of an alkyne with enolate-equivalent nucleophiles. Highly substituted dienyl boron building blocks are produced in excellent site-, regio-, and diastereoselectivity by the described catalytic cis-carboboration reaction.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Multi-Alkylated Allylic Boronates through Three-Component Coupling Reactions between Allenes, Alkyl Halides, and a Diboron Reagent

Multisubstituted allylic boronates are attractive and valuable precursors for the rapid and stereoselective construction of densely substituted carbon skeletons. Herein, we report the first synthetic approach for differentially 2,3,3-trialkyl-substituted allylic boronates that contain a stereodefined tetrasubstituted alkene structure. Copper(I)-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective three-component coupling reactions between gem-dialkylallenes, alkyl halides, and a diboron reagent afforded sterically congested allylic boronates. The allylboration of aldehydes diastereoselectively furnished the corresponding homoallylic alcohols that bear a quaternary carbon. A computational study revealed that the selectivity-determining mechanism was correlated to the coordination of a boryl copper(I) species to the allene substrate as well as the borylcupration step.

Cu/Pd-catalyzed borocarbonylative trifunctionalization of alkynes and allenes: synthesis of β-geminal-diboryl ketones

Functionalized bisboryl compounds have recently emerged as a new class of synthetically useful building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein, we report an efficient strategy to synthesize β-geminal-diboryl ketones enabled by a Cu/Pd-catalyzed borocarbonylative trifunctionalization of readily available alkynes and allenes. This reaction promises to be a useful method for the synthesis of functionalized β-geminal-diboryl ketones with broad functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through borocarbonylation/hydroboration cascade of both alkynes and allenes.

Three-component reaction of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes with alkenes and B2pin2 for the synthesis of monofluoroalkenes

Borylative difunctionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful approach for synthesizing highly functionalized molecules. Herein, dual Cu/Pd-catalysed borylfluoroallylation of alkenes was smoothly achieved by using gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes and B2pin2, providing the corresponding monofluoroalkene scaffolds in moderate to high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. Moreover, an array of synthetic building blocks can be obtained by downstream transformations.

Synthesis of Alkenylboronates from N-Tosylhydrazones through Palladium-Catalyzed Carbene Migratory Insertion

The palladium-catalyzed oxidative borylation reaction of N-tosylhydrazones has been developed. The reaction features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. It thus represents a highly efficient and practical method for the synthesis of di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted alkenylboronates from readily available N-tosylhydrazones. One-pot Suzuki coupling and other transformations highlight the synthetic utility of the approach. DFT calculations have revealed that palladium-carbene formation and subsequent boryl migratory insertion are the key steps in the catalytic cycle. The high stereoselectivity observed in the formation of trisubstituted alkenylboronates has been explained by distortion-interaction analysis and NBO analysis.

Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component Carboboronation of Allenes Using Highly Strained Cyclic Ketimines as Electrophiles

A diastereoselective copper and NHC-ligand-catalyzed three-component difunctionalization of allenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron and 2H-azirines to afford borylated allylaziridines is described. The reaction exhibits complete diastereoselectivity and good yields, and the further chlorination of the corresponding borylated products was also performed. It is believed that the high ring-strain force of 2H-azirines facilitates the reaction. More chemical transformations of borylated allylaziridines are also reported.

Cu/Pd-Catalyzed cis-Borylfluoroallylation of Alkynes for the Synthesis of Boryl-Substituted Monofluoroalkenes

Monofluoroalkenes normally act as metabolically stable bioisosteres for amide groups (-NH-CO-) and have widespread applications in drug discovery. Additionally, they are widely used as building blocks in organic synthesis. In this study, the Cu/Pd-catalyzed cis-borylfluoroallylation of alkynes was achieved, providing a modular and general tactic for the preparation of monofluorinated alkene scaffolds with high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Moreover, an array of synthetic building blocks can be generated by downstream transformations.

Transition metal catalyzed asymmetric multicomponent reactions of unsaturated compounds using organoboron reagents

Asymmetric multicomponent reactions allow stitching several functional groups in an enantioselective and atom economical manner. The introduction of boron-based reagents as a multicomponent coupling partner has its own merits. In addition to being non-toxic and highly stable, organoboron compounds can be easily converted to other functional groups in a stereoselective manner. In the last decade several transition metal catalyzed asymmetric multicomponent strategies have been evolved using boron based reagents. This review will discuss the merits and scope of multicomponent strategies based on their difference in the reaction mechanism and transition metals involved.

One-Pot Preparation of Tricyclo[5.2.2.04,9]undecanes via Cu-Catalyzed Asymmetric Carboboration of Cyclohexadienone-Tethered Allenes

The Cu-catalyzed asymmetric carboboration of cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes has been achieved through regioselective β-borylation of the allenes and subsequent conjugate addition to cyclohexadienones, affording cis-bicyclic frameworks with acceptable yields and high to excellent enantioselectivities. Further conjugate borylation of the carboboration products proved to be a favorable kinetic resolution process, which improved the overall enantioselectivity. Finally, one-pot preparation of highly enantioenriched tricyclo[5.2.2.0^4,9]undecanes was developed from the cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes through β-borylation/1,4-addition and subsequent tandem oxidation/intramolecular aldol reaction.

Copper-catalyzed boroacylation of allenes to access tetrasubstituted vinylboronates

A distinct copper-catalyzed boroacylation of allenes with acyl chlorides and bis(pinacolato)diboron is developed. For aromatic acyl chlorides, 1,2-boroacylation of allenes readily takes place, leading to the formation of tetrasubstituted vinylboronates with exclusive (E)-stereoselectivity. In comparison, the employment of alkyl acyl chlorides as electrophiles alters the selectivity to 2,3-boroacylated products. Additionally, the product can easily undergo Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling to afford tetrasubstituted alkene with complete retention of the configuration.