Cobalt-Catalyzed 1,1-Diboration of Terminal Alkynes: Scope, Mechanism, and Synthetic Applications

Platinum-Catalyzed Diboration of Alkynes by 1,8-Diaminonaphthalene-Protected Diboronic Acid (B2(dan)2)

The diboration of alkynes by 1,8-diaminonaphthalene-protected diboronic acid (B2(dan)2) proceeded smoothly in the presence of a platinum catalyst, and 1,2-diborylalkenes were isolated in up to 94% yield. The use of an appropriate solvent and ligand was critical for the progress of the reaction. The derivatization of 1,2-diborylalkenes was briefly examined.

UiO-67 MOF-Encapsulated NHC-Based Single-Site Copper Catalyst and Its Application in Regioselective Borylation of Terminal Alkynes

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) act as versatile ligand backbones due to their strong σ-donation and π-acceptance properties. However, the encapsulation of NHC-coinage metal complexes in a metal-organic framework (MOF) to utilize them in organic catalysis is rare. In this work, an NHC-coordinated CuBr (NHC = Bn2Im; 1,3-dibenzyl-imidazol-2-ylidene) complex was encapsulated in UiO-67 MOF ((Bn2Im)2CuBr@UiO-67) and further utilized toward the regioselective protoboration of terminal alkynes. (Bn2Im)2CuBr@UiO-67 was found to show superior catalytic performance in aiding the protoboration of terminal alkynes, with a very high turnover frequency (TOF) of 14333.3 h-1, much higher than those of many other reported copper-based heterogeneous catalysts. Our catalyst also retained excellent catalytic efficiency for up to five cycles for the above-mentioned process. The newly synthesized (Bn2Im)2CuBr@UiO-67 and the recovered catalyst post-catalysis were characterized using various analytical techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[4+1] Heteroannulation to Form 1-Pyrrolines through Alder-Ene Reaction of in situ Generated Ynimines: Development and Application in Total Synthesis of Borrecapine

We report in this paper a novel Cu-catalyzed synthesis of polysubstituted 1-pyrrolines. The reaction of β,γ-unsaturated oxime esters 4 with terminal alkynes 5 in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)2 and 2,2'-biquinoline affords the corresponding 1,6-enynimines, which undergo a highly stereoselective Alder-ene reaction to afford 1-pyrrolines with concomitant generation of a quaternary carbon and a 2-azadiene motif. It represents an unusual [4+1] heteroannulation reaction wherein terminal alkynes act as a one carbon donor and are 1,1-difunctionalized. Mechanistic studies suggest that the allylic hydrogen trans to the oxime ester main chain is selectively transferred to the electron-rich alkyne during the pericyclic reaction. The resulting 1-pyrrolines undergo facile acid-catalyzed regioselective Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement to provide 2H-pyrroles in excellent yields. The 2H-pyrroles are also accessible from 4 and 5 in a one-pot manner without isolation of the 1-pyrrolines. Leveraging this heteroannulation reaction as a key step, the first total synthesis of borrecapine, a 2,3,3,5-tetrasubstituted pyrrolidine, is accomplished.

DFT Struggles to Predict the Energy Landscape for Iron Pyridine Diimine-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkenes: Insights into the Problem and Alternative Solutions

In recent years, noninnocent pyridine diimine (PDI) complexes featuring first-row transition metals have emerged as prominent catalysts, demonstrating efficacy in a diverse range of vital organometallic transformations. However, the inherent complexity of the fundamental reactivity paradigm in these systems arises from the presence of a noninnocent ligand and the multispin feasibility of 3d metals. While density functional theory (DFT) has been widely used to unravel mechanistic insights, its limitations as a single-reference method can potentially misrepresent spin-state energetics, compromising our understanding of these intricate systems. In this study, we employ extensive high-level ab initio state averaged-complete active space self-consistent field/N-electron valence state perturbation theory (SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2) calculations in combination with DFT to investigate an iron-PDI-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of alkenes. The transformation proceeds through two major steps: oxidative cyclization and reductive elimination. Contrary to the predictions of DFT calculations, which suggest two-state reactivity in the reaction and identify reductive elimination as the turnover-limiting step, SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-corrected results unequivocally establish a single-state reactivity scenario with oxidative cyclization as the turnover-limiting step. SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-based insights into electronic ground states and electron distribution elucidate the intriguing interactions between the PDI ligand and the iron center, revealing the highly multiconfigurational nature of these species and providing a precise depiction of metal-ligand cooperativity throughout the transformation. A comparative assessment of several widely recognized DFT functionals against SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-corrected data indicates that single-point energy calculations using the modern density functional MN15 on TPSSh geometries offer the most reliable density functional methodology, in scenarios where SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2 computational cost is a consideration.

Tandem manganese catalysis for the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective hydroboration of terminal alkynes: in situ precatalyst activation as a key to enhanced chemoselectivity

The manganese(ii) complex [Mn(iPrPNP)Cl2] (iPrPNP = 2,6-bis(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) was found to catalyze the stereo- and regioselective hydroboration of terminal alkynes employing HBPin (pinacolborane). In the absence of in situ activators, mixtures of alkynylboronate and E-alkenylboronate esters were formed, whereas when NaHBEt3 was employed as the in situ activator, E-alkenylboronate esters were exclusively accessed. Mechanistic studies revealed a tandem C-H borylation/semihydrogenation pathway accounting for the formation of the products. Stoichiometric reactions hint toward reaction of a Mn-H active species with the terminal alkyne as the catalyst entry pathway to the cycle, whereas reaction with HBPin led to catalyst deactivation.

Diborodichloromethane as Versatile Reagent for Chemodivergent Synthesis of gem-Diborylalkanes

The development of boron reagents is crucial for synthetic chemistry. Herein, we present a scalable and practical synthesis of diborodichloromethane (DBDCM) through the reaction of trichloromethyllithium with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2 pin2 ). The resulting DBDCM reagent serves as a basic synthetic unit for the construction of various structurally diverse gem-diborylalkanes through controllable C-Cl functionalizations. Moreover, we have developed consecutive tetra-functionalizations of DBDCM for the construction of diverse tertiary and quaternary carbon containing molecules. The use of isotopically enriched 13 C-chloroform and 10 B2 pin2 enables the synthesis of isotopically enriched 13 C-DBDCM and 10 B-DBDCM reagents, which are beneficial for the convenient synthesis of carbon-13 and boron-10 molecules.

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.

Exploring the Divergent Reactivity of Vinyl Radicals Emanating from Alkynes and Thiols via Photoredox Catalysis

Organic chemistry has seen a surge in visible-light-driven transformations, which offer unique reaction pathways and access to new synthetic possibilities. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art photo-mediated alkyne functionalization, with a focus on the reactive behavior of vinyl radicals. This review outlines our contributions to the field, including developing new methods for forming carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds.

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.

Stereodefined polymetalloid alkenes synthesis via stereoselective boron-masking of polyborylated alkenes

Polyborylated-alkenes are valuable polymetalloid reagents in modern organic synthesis, providing access to a wide array of transformations, including the construction of multiple C-C and C-heteroatom bonds. However, because they contain similar boryl groups, many times their transformation faces the main challenge in controlling the chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity. One way to overcome these limitations is by installing different boron groups that can provide an opportunity to tune their reactivity toward better chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity. Yet, the preparation of polyborylated-alkenes containing different boryl groups has been rare. Herein we report concise, highly site-selective, and stereoselective boron-masking strategies of polyborylated alkenes. This is achieved by designed stereoselective trifluorination and MIDA-ation reactions of readily available starting polyborylated alkenes. Additionally, the trifluoroborylated-alkenes undergo a stereospecific interconversion to Bdan-alkenes. These transition-metal free reactions provide a general and efficient method for the conversion of polyborylated alkenes to access 1,1-di-, 1,2-di-, 1,1,2-tris-(borylated) alkenes containing BF3M, Bdan, and BMIDA, a family of compounds that currently lack efficient synthetic access. Moreover, tetraborylethene undergoes the metal-free MIDA-ation reaction to provide the mono BMIDA tetraboryl alkene selectively. The mixed polyborylalkenes are then demonstrated to be useful in selective C-C and C-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. Given its simplicity and versatility, these stereoselective boron-masking approaches hold great promise for organoboron synthesis and will result in more transformations.

Ir-Catalyzed Regioselective Dihydroboration of Thioalkynes toward Gem-Diboryl Thioethers

While 1,1-diboryl (gem-diboryl) compounds are valuable synthetic building blocks, currently, related studies have mainly focused on those 1,1-diboryl alkanes without a hetero functional group in the α-position. gem-Diboryl compounds with an α-hetero substituent, though highly versatile, have been limitedly accessible and thus rarely utilized. Herein, we have developed the first α-dihydroboration of heteroalkynes leading to the efficient construction of gem-diboryl, hetero-, and tetra-substituted carbon centers. This straightforward, practical, mild, and atom-economic reaction is an attractive complement to the conventional multistep synthetic strategy relying on deprotonation of gem-diborylmethane by a strong base. Specifically, [Ir(cod)(OMe)]₂ was found to be uniquely effective for this process of thioalkynes, leading to excellent α-regioselectivity when delivering the two boryl groups, which is remarkable in view of the many competitive paths including monohydroboration, 1,2-dihydroboration, dehydrodiboration, triboration, tetraboration, etc. Control experiments combined with DFT calculations suggested that this process involves two sequential hydroboration events. The second hydroboration requires a higher energy barrier due to severe steric repulsion in generating the highly congested α-sulfenyl gem-diboryl carbon center, a structural motif that was almost unknown before.

Stereoselective Semi-Hydrogenations of Alkynes by First-Row (3d) Transition Metal Catalysts

The chemo- and stereoselective semi-hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a fundamental transformation in synthetic chemistry, for which the use of precious 4d or 5d metal catalysts is well-established. In mankind's unwavering quest for sustainability, research focus has considerably veered towards the 3d metals. Given their high abundancy and availability as well as lower toxicity and noxiousness, they are undoubtedly attractive from both an economic and an environmental perspective. Herein, we wish to present noteworthy and groundbreaking examples for the use of 3d metal catalysts for diastereoselective alkyne semi-hydrogenation as we embark on a journey through the first-row transition metals.

Site-Selective (Z)-α-Borylalkenyl Copper Systems for Nucleophilic Stereodefined Allylic Coupling

1,1-Diborylalkenes can be transformed into (Z)-skipped dienes through CuI -phosphine catalyzed allylic coupling reactions. The energetically preferred formation of (Z)-α-borylalkenyl copper (I) species and the subsequent nucleophilic attack, explains the stereoselective nucleophilic substitution with allyl bromides. The eventual treatment of (Z)-skipped dienes with NaOt Bu promotes cyclization/aromatization patterns via enyne intermediates.

Stereoselective Cyclopropanation of 1,1-Diborylalkenes via Palladium-Catalyzed (Trimethylsilyl)diazomethane Insertion

Palladium catalyzes the cyclopropanation of 2-substituted 1,1-diborylalkenes with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane. The relative stereoselectivity is controlled via a carbene insertion sequence generating an exclusive anti conformation between the R and SiMe₃ substituents. Mixed 1,1-diborylalkenes also contributed to the formation of stereoselective B, B, Si-cyclopropanes. Orthogonal activation with NaO^tBu gives protodeborylation preferentially on the boron moiety syn to the aryl group. Further oxidation gives access to polyfunctional cyclopropyl alcohols with controlled enantioselectivity when chiral boryl motifs are involved.

Organobase-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes under metal-free conditions

An organobase-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes from propargylic derivatives with bis(2,4-dimethylpentane-2,4-glycolato)diboron (B₂oct₂) is first reported, regioselectively providing 1,1-diborylalkene products with high efficiency. The catalytic pathway is well postulated on the basis of DFT calculations.

An organobase-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes from propargylic derivatives with B₂oct₂ is first reported, providing 1,1-diborylalkene products with high efficiency. The catalytic pathway is well postulated on the basis of DFT calculations.

Catalysis with Diboron(4)/Pyridine: Application to the Broad-Scope [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropanes and Alkenes

In contrast to the extensive but non-recyclable use of tetraalkoxydiboron(4) compounds as stoichiometric reagents in diverse reactions, this article reports an atom-economical reaction using a commercial diboron(4) as the catalyst. The key to success was designing a catalytic cycle for radical [3 + 2] cycloaddition involving a pyridine cocatalyst to generate from the diboron(4) catalyst and reversibly mediate the transfer of boronyl radicals. In comparison with known [3 + 2] cycloaddition with transition metal-based catalysts, the current reaction features not only metal-free conditions, inexpensive and stable catalysts, and simple operation but also remarkably broadened substrate scope. In particular, previously unusable cyclopropyl ketones without an activating group and/or alkenes with 1,2-disubstitution and 1,1,2-trisubstitution patterns were successfully used for the first time. Consequently, challenging cyclopentane compounds with various levels of substitution (65 examples, 57 new products, up to six substituents at all five ring atoms) were readily prepared in generally high to excellent yield and diastereoselectivity. The reaction was also successfully applied in concise formal synthesis of an anti-obesity drug and building natural product-like complex bridged or spirocyclic compounds. Mechanistic experiments and computational investigation support the proposed radical relay catalysis featuring a pyridine-assisted boronyl radical catalyst. Overall, this work demonstrates the first approach to use tetraalkoxydiboron(4) compounds as catalysts and may lead to the development of new, green, and efficient transition metal-like boron-catalyzed organic reactions.

Palladium-catalyzed hydroboration reaction of unactivated alkynes with bis (pinacolato) diboron in water

A highly efficient and mild palladium-catalyzed hydroboration of unactivated internal alkynes in water is described. Both aryl- and alkyl-substituted alkynes proceeded smoothly within the reaction time to afford the desired vinylboronates in moderate to high yields. Bis (pinacolato) diboron was used to afford α- and β-hydroborated products in the presence of HOAc. These reactions showed high reactivities and tolerance, thus providing a promising method for the synthesis of alkenyl boron compounds.

Extensive Redox Non-Innocence in Iron Bipyridine-Diimine Complexes: a Combined Spectroscopic and Computational Study

Metal-ligand cooperation is an important aspect in earth-abundant metal catalysis. Utilizing ligands as electron reservoirs to supplement the redox chemistry of the metal has resulted in many new exciting discoveries. Here, we demonstrate that iron bipyridine-diimine (BDI) complexes exhibit an extensive electron-transfer series that spans a total of five oxidation states, ranging from the trication [Fe(BDI)]3+ to the monoanion [Fe(BDI]-1. Structural characterization by X-ray crystallography revealed the multifaceted redox noninnocence of the BDI ligand, while spectroscopic (e.g., 57Fe Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopy) and computational studies were employed to elucidate the electronic structure of the isolated complexes, which are further discussed in this report.

ZnBr2-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Borylation of Terminal Alkynes

The simple, commercially available ZnBr₂ has been successfully employed as a highly efficient and chemoselective catalyst for the dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes with HBpin under mild conditions. It shows a good tolerance toward various functional groups such as aryl, alkyl, heteroaryl, etc. The plausible reaction mechanism has been investigated based on the corresponding stoichiometric experiments and DFT calculations.

First-Row d-Block Element-Catalyzed Carbon-Boron Bond Formation and Related Processes

Organoboron reagents represent a unique class of compounds because of their utility in modern synthetic organic chemistry, often affording unprecedented reactivity. The transformation of the carbon-boron bond into a carbon-X (X = C, N, and O) bond in a stereocontrolled fashion has become invaluable in medicinal chemistry, agrochemistry, and natural products chemistry as well as materials science. Over the past decade, first-row d-block transition metals have become increasingly widely used as catalysts for the formation of a carbon-boron bond, a transformation traditionally catalyzed by expensive precious metals. This recent focus on alternative transition metals has enabled growth in fundamental methods in organoboron chemistry. This review surveys the current state-of-the-art in the use of first-row d-block element-based catalysts for the formation of carbon-boron bonds.

Regio- and Stereoselective Syn-Boronation of Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Copper Nanospheres on Graphene Nanosheets

Evenly distributed copper nanospheres on reduced graphene oxide were prepared and showed high heterogeneous catalytic activity in converting varying terminal alkynes into (E)-β-styrene boronate esters. The excellent catalytic performance was achieved through the synergistic catalysis between Cu nanospheres and rGO. This work not only is a supplement for preparing (E)-β-styrene boronate esters but also provides a way for the rational designing of high-performance graphene-based catalysts. Meanwhile, the advancement of graphene-based nanomaterials will be motivated to promote their applications in the development of green catalytic chemistry.

Copper-Catalyzed 1,1-Alkylmonofluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Diazo Compounds and 2-Fluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl Compounds: Access toward (E)-β-Monofluoroalkyl-β,γ-unsaturated Esters or Ketones

An efficient copper-catalyzed three-component 1,1-alkylmonofluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes, diazo compounds, and 2-fluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of (E)-β-monofluoroalkyl-β,γ-unsaturated esters or ketones has been developed. The methodology features a broad substrate scope, an inexpensive and easily available catalytic system, and excellent selectivity with good yields. The mechanism of the tandem Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling and nucleophilic addition of allenes has been investigated.

Synthesis of 1,1-Diboryl Alkenes Using the Boryl-Heck Reaction

The synthesis of 1,1-diboryl alkenes from terminal alkenes is reported. 1,1-Regioselective addition is observed for both conjugated and unconjugated alkenes, allowing for a single method to prepare a wide range of 1,1-diboryl alkenes.

Divergent functionalization of terminal alkynes enabled alkynylative [5+1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes

We here describe an alkynylative [5+1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes with terminal alkynes, which enables both the construction of a benzene ring skeleton and intermolecular incorporation of an alkynyl group in a single reaction using Pd and Cu cooperative catalysts. The method represents efficient access to internal aryl alkynes through divergent functionalization of two terminal alkyne components: one alkyne serves as the one-carbon unit to realize the [5+1] benzannulation and the other alkyne as a nucleophile terminates the reaction.

Cobalt-catalyzed deoxygenative triborylation of allylic ethers to access 1,1,3-triborylalkanes

Polyborylated organic compounds have been emerging as versatile building blocks in chemical synthesis. Here we report a selective cobalt-catalyzed deoxygenative 1,1,3-triborylation reaction of allylic ethers with pinacolborane to prepare 1,1,3-triborylalkane compounds. With naturally abundant and/or synthetic cinnamic methyl ethers as starting materials, we have achieved the synthesis of a variety of 1,1,3-triborylalkanes (25 examples). The synthetic utility of these 1,1,3-triborylalkanes is demonstrated through site-selective allylation, protodeborylation, and consecutive carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. Mechanistic studies including deuterium-labeling and control experiments suggest that this 1,1,3-triborylation reaction proceeds through initial cobalt-catalyzed deoxygenative borylation of allylic ethers to form allylic boronates followed by cobalt-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of the resulting allylic boronates.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Reductive C-O Bond Cleavage of Lignin β-O-4 Ketone Models via In Situ Generation of the Cobalt-Boryl Species

An efficient and mild method for reductive C-O bond cleavage of lignin β-O-4 ketone models was developed to afford the corresponding ketones and phenols with PDI-CoCl₂ as the precatalyst and diboron reagent as the reductant. The synthetic utility of the methodology was demonstrated by depolymerization of a polymeric model and gram-scale transformation. Mechanistic studies suggested that this transformation involves steps of carbonyl insertion, 1,2-Brook type rearrangement, β-oxygen elimination, and rate-limiting regeneration of the catalytic active Co-B species.

Synthesis of Stereodefined 1,1-Diborylalkenes via Copper-Catalyzed Diboration of Terminal Alkynes

A copper-catalyzed method for the E-selective 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes is described. The tandem process involves sequential dehydrogenative borylation of the alkyne substrate with HBdan (1,8-diaminonaphthalatoborane), followed by hydroboration with HBpin (pinacolborane). This method proceeds efficiently under mild conditions, furnishing 1,1-diborylalkenes with excellent stereoselectivity and broad functional group tolerance. Taking advantage of the different reactivities of the two boryl moieties, the products can then be employed in stepwise cross-couplings with aryl halides for the stereocontrolled construction of trisubstituted alkenes.

Photoredox-Mediated Reaction of gem-Diborylalkenes: Reactivity Toward Diverse 1,1-Bisborylalkanes

The use of gem-diborylalkenes as radical-reactive groups is explored for the first time. These reactions provide an efficient and general method for the photochemical conversion of gem-diborylalkenes to rapidly access 1,1-bisborylalkanes. This method exploits a novel photoredox decarboxylative radical addition to gem-diborylalkenes to afford α-gem-diboryl carbon-centered radicals, which benefit from additional stability by virtue of an interaction with the empty p-orbitals on borons. The reaction offers a highly modular and regioselective approach to γ-amino gem-diborylalkanes. Furthermore, EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations have provided insight into the radical mechanism underlying the photochemistry reaction and the stability of the bis-metalated radicals, respectively.

Tri(boryl)alkanes and Tri(boryl)alkenes: The Versatile Reagents

The interest of organoboron chemistry in organic synthesis is growing, together with the development of new and versatile polyborated reagents. Here, the preparation of 1,1,1-tri(boryl)alkanes, 1,2,3-tri(boryl)alkanes, 1,1,2-tri(boryl)alkanes, as well as 1,1,2-tri(boryl)alkenes as suitable and accessible polyborated systems is demonstrated as being easily applied in the construction of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Synthetic procedures and limitations have been collected to demonstrate the powerful strategies to construct selective molecules, taking advantages of the easy transformation of carbon-boron bond in multiple functionalities, under the total control of chemo- and stereoselectivity.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,1-Diborylalkenes via Brønsted Base-Catalyzed Mixed Diboration of Alkynyl Esters and Amides with BpinBdan

The NaOtBu-catalyzed mixed 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes using the unsymmetrical diboron reagent BpinBdan (pin = pinacolato; dan = 1,8-diaminonaphthalene) proceeds in a regio- and stereoselective fashion affording moderate to high yields of 1,1-diborylalkenes bearing orthogonal boron protecting groups. It is applicable to gram-scale synthesis without loss of yield or selectivity. The mixed 1,1-diborylalkene products can be utilized in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions which take place selectivly at the C-B site. DFT calculations suggest the NaOtBu-catalyzed mixed 1,1-diboration of alkynes occurs through deprotonation of the terminal alkyne, stepwise addition of BpinBdan to the terminal carbon followed by protonation with tBuOH. Experimentally observed selective formation of (Z)-diborylalkenes is supported by our theoretical studies.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Hydroboration of Allenes

An efficient pincer-ligand-based cobalt-complex-catalyzed allene hydroboration affording Z-allylic boronates is described. The reaction demonstrates an excellent regio- as well as Z-stereoselectivity and a wide substrate scope that tolerates many functional groups. Based on solvent-assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SAESI-MS) studies, a rationale for the cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration involving the highly selective insertion of an allene into the Co-H bond to form Z-allylic cobalt intermediates is proposed.