Facile Synthesis of α-N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Boryl Ketones from N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Boranes and Alkenyl Triflates

Dative Bonding Activation Enables Precise Functionalization of the Remote B-H Bond of nido-Carborane Clusters

The innovation of synthetic strategies for selective B-H functionalization is a pivotal objective in the realm of boron cluster chemistry. However, the precise, efficient, and rapid functionalization of a B-H bond of carboranes that is distant from the existing functional groups remains intractable owing to the limited approaches for site-selective control from the established methods. Herein, we report a dative bonding activation strategy for the selective functionalization of a nonclassical remote B-H site of nido-carboranes. By leveraging the electronic effects brought by the exopolyhedral B(9)-dative bond, a cross-nucleophile B-H/S-H coupling protocol of the distal B(5)-H bond has been established. The dative bond not only amplifies the subtle reactivity difference among B-H bonds but also significantly changes the reactive sites, further infusing nido-carboranes with additional structural diversity. This reaction paradigm features mild conditions, rapid conversion, efficient production, broad scope, and excellent group tolerance, thus enabling the applicability to an array of complex bioactive molecules. The efficient and scalable reaction platform is amenable to the modular construction of photofunctional molecules and boron delivery agents for boron neutron capture therapy. This work not only provides an unprecedented solution for the selective diversification of distal B-H sites in nido-carboranes but also holds the potential for expediting the discovery of novel carborane-based functional molecules.

NHC-Au-Catalyzed Isomerization of Propargylic B(MIDA)s to Allenes and Double Isomerization of Alkynes to 1,3-Dienes

The synthesis of allenyl boronates is an important yet challenging topic in organic synthesis. Reported herein is an NHC-gold-catalyzed 1,3-H shift toward allenyl boronates synthesis from simple propargylic B(MIDA)s. Mechanistic studies suggest dual roles of the boryl moiety in the reaction: to activate the substrate for isomerization and at the same time, to prevent the allene product from further isomerization. These effects should be a result of α-anion stabilization and α-cation destabilization conferred by the B(MIDA) moiety, respectively. The NHC-Au catalyst, which is commercially available, is also found to be reactive in alkyne-to-1,3-diene isomerization reactions in an atom-economic and base-free manner.

Regioselective Electrophilic Addition to Propargylic B(MIDA)s Enabled by β-Boron Effect

Electrophilic addition reaction to alkynes is of fundamental importance in organic chemistry, yet the regiocontrol when reacting with unsymmetrical 1,2-dialkyl substituted alkynes is often problematic. Herein, it is demonstrated that the rarely recognized β-boron effect can confer a high level of site-selectivity in several alkyne electrophilic addition reactions. A broad range of highly functionalized and complex organoborons are thus formed under simple reaction conditions starting from propargylic MIDA (N-methyliminodiacetic acid) boronates. These products are demonstrated to be valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. In addition to the regiocontrol, this study also observes a drastic rate enhancement upon B(MIDA) substitution. Theoretical calculation reveals that the highest occupied molecular obital (HOMO) energy level of propargylic B(MIDA) is significantly raised by 0.3 eV, and the preferential electrophilic addition to the γ position is due to its higher HOMO orbital coefficient and more negative natural bond orbital (NBO) charge compared to the β position. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing the β-boron effect in stereoelectronic control of chemical transformations, which can inspire further research in this area.

Divergent Synthesis of 1,1-Carbonyl Amino Alkyl Borons from Indoles

α-Boryl carbonyl species and α-boryl amino compounds are valuable and important frameworks in organic synthesis. However, the strategies that could merge the two scaffolds into one compound, named 1,1-carbonyl amino alkyl boron, are elusive and underdeveloped. Herein, we present an efficient method that could address this gap and produce 1,1-carbonyl amino alkyl borons from readily accessible indoles via oxidation by m-CPBA or oxone. This reaction features operational simplicity, divergent synthesis, broad substrate scope, and valuable products.

Formation and reactivity of NHC-boryl radicals: insight into substituent effect from theoretical calculations

Substituent modification effects of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) boranes on their hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) reactions and the chemical reactivities of corresponding NHC-boryl radicals have been investigated by density functional theory calculations. The substituent modification of NHC-boranes may notably affect the HAA reaction, both kinetically and thermodynamically, and shows remarkable substitution position dependence. The multi-site-modification of NHC-boranes is proved to be more effective for reduction of the B-H bond dissociation energy (BDE), promotion of the HAA reaction, and the reactivity regulation of their corresponding NHC-boryl radicals. Computational screening reveals that the spin density and the charge population of the radical boron center have good correlation with the B-H BDEs of NHC-boranes and the chemical reactivities of NHC-boryl radicals, and they can be considered as property and reactivity descriptors of these boron-based systems. The present results and established scaling relationships are beneficial to promote the advancement of design of NHC-boryl radical catalysis.

Synthesis of α-Boryl Ketones via Hydration or Oxidation of B(MIDA)-Decorated Alkynes

α-Boryl ketones are traditionally challenging targets in organic synthesis. Reported herein is a mild and metal-free synthesis of α-boryl ketones via the hydration or oxidation of N-methyliminodiacetyl boronate (B(MIDA))-decorated alkynes. A new hydration system comprised of AcCl and H₂O in HFIP allows the hydration of arylethynyl B(MIDA)s at room temperature with decent functional group tolerance. An oxidative carbon deletion process of propargylic B(MIDA)s is also developed for the synthesis of aliphatic α-boryl ketones. An intriguing β-boron effect was observed to account for the unique site- and chemoselectivities. The application of the products in the synthesis of borylated heterocycles was demonstrated.

C4-Selective C-H Borylation of Pyridinium Derivatives Driven by Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes

The photoinduced C4-selective C-H borylation of pyridines was achieved using electron donor-acceptor complexes derived from a Lewis base and N-amidopyridinium salts under external oxidant- and photocatalyst-free conditions. Notably, the nucleophilic character of phosphite-ligated boryl radicals enables addition of a radical to position C4 of pyridinium salts to afford C4-borylated heteroarenes that are otherwise difficult to obtain. This approach provides a versatile platform for the installation of both phosphite- and amine-coordinated boron groups on a series of pyridines under mild conditions, demonstrating excellent C4-positional selectivity for the pyridine scaffolds.

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.

Recent Advances in Radical Reactions of Vinyl Triflates and Their Derivatives

Vinyl triflates are valuable precursors for vinyl cations and vinyl carbenes and serve as electrophiles in transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. However, the scope of radical reactions involving vinyl triflates has been very limited until recently. In this short review, we summarize the recent development on two categories of radical reactions involving vinyl triflates, i.e., radical trifluoromethylations and radical non-trifluoromethylations of vinyl triflates.

1 I ntroduction to Vinyl Triflates

2 Earlier Work on Radical Reactions of Vinyl Triflates

3 Radical Trifluoromethylations of Vinyl Triflates and Their Derivatives

4 Radical Non-Trifluoromethylation of Vinyl Triflates

5 Conclusions and Outlook

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.

Predicting Dinitrogen Activation by Five-Electron Boron-Centered Radicals

Due to the high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol^-1) and the large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap (10.8 eV), dinitrogen activation under mild conditions is extremely challenging. On the other hand, the conventional Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis under harsh conditions consumes more than 1% of the world's annual energy supply. Thus, it is important and urgent to develop an alternative approach for dinitrogen activation under mild conditions. In comparison with transition metals, main group compounds are less explored for nitrogen activation. Here, we carry out density functional theory calculation to screen boron radicals for dinitrogen activation. As a result, the experimentally available seven-electron boron-centered radicals are found to be inactive to N₂ activation, whereas some five-electron boron-centered radicals become favorable for dinitrogen activation, inviting experimental chemists' examination. The principal interacting spin-orbital analyses suggest that a five-electron boron-centered radical can mimic a transition metal on a synergic interaction with dinitrogen in the transition states.

Visible-light-induced 1,2-diphenyldisulfane-catalyzed regioselective hydroboration of electron-deficient alkenes

A photoinduced PhSSPh-catalyzed regioselective borylation of electron-deficient alkenes has been developed for the synthesis of borylated carbonyl, nitrile, sulfone, phosphonate, trifluoromethyl, and gem-diboron compounds.

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.

Redox-Neutral Tetrafluoroethylation of Aryl Alkynes with 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane Sulfonic Acid Leading to α-Tetrafluoroethylated Acetophenones

The redox-neutral tetrafluoroethylation of alkynes with 1,1,2,2-tetrafluroroethanesulfonic acid (TFESA) and azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) proceeds via the formation of vinyl tetrafluoroethanesulfonates followed by a radical tetrafluoroethylation. Experimental and theoretical results support an intermolecular reaction.

Borylfuroxans: Synthesis and Applications

Herein we report the first synthesis of borylfuroxans via the reaction of sulfonylfuroxans with Lewis base-ligated boranes under radical conditions. As a synthetic application, the transformation of borylfuroxans to a range of 1,2-dioximes and their derivatives is demonstrated.

Regioselective Radical Borylation of α,β-Unsaturated Esters and Related Compounds by Visible Light Irradiation with an Organic Photocatalyst

Radical hydroboration reactions have only recently been reported and are still rare. Here we describe a photoredox radical hydroboration of α,β-unsaturated esters, amides, ketones, and nitriles with NHC-boranes that uses only an organocatalyst and visible light. The conditions are mild, the substrate scope is broad, and the α/β regioselectivity is high. The reaction requires only the organocatalyst; there is no costly metal, and there are no other additives (base, cocatalyst, initiator).

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.

Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed aryl radical in situ SO2-capture reactions

An aryl radical in situ SO₂-capture reaction is developed for the synthesis of various β-keto, allyl and alkynyl arylsulfone derivatives.

Photoredox radical borylation of electron-deficient alkenes with NHC-boranes

An efficient photoredox radical borylation of electron-deficient Morita-Baylis-Hillman type alkenes is achieved to afford multi-functionalized allylic boranes. The reaction demonstrates a wide substrate scope and showcases excellent functional group tolerance. It has advantages over the traditional ionic hydroboration methods in the construction of allylic boranes in terms of simple operation, mild conditions, and step-economy.

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.

Photoinduced Single-Electron Transfer as an Enabling Principle in the Radical Borylation of Alkenes with NHC-Borane

A photoinduced SET process enables the direct B-H bond activation of NHC-boranes. In contrast to common hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) strategies, this photoinduced reaction simply takes advantage of the beneficial redox potentials of NHC-boranes, thus obviating the need for extra radical initiators. The resulting NHC-boryl radical was used for the borylation of a wide range of α-trifluoromethylalkenes and alkenes with diverse electronic and structural features, providing facile access to highly functionalized borylated molecules. Labeling and photoquenching experiments provide insight into the mechanism of this photoinduced SET pathway.

Iridium-catalyzed B-H insertion of sulfoxonium ylides and borane adducts: a versatile platform to α-boryl carbonyls

Iridium-catalyzed boron-hydrogen bond insertion reactions of trimethylamine-borane and sulfoxonium ylides have been demonstrated, furnishing α-boryl ketones in moderate to excellent yields in most cases (51 examples; up to 84%). This practical and scalable insertion reaction showed broad substrate scope, high functional-group compatibility and could be applied in late-stage modification of structurally complex drug compounds. Further synthetic applications were also demonstrated.

Radical Hydroboration and Hydrosilylation of gem-Difluoroalkenes: Synthesis of α-Difluorinated Alkylborons and Alkylsilanes

A first example of radical hydroboration and hydrosilylation of gem-difluoroalkenes using ABIN as the radical initiator is described. This protocol features good functional group tolerance, operational simplicity, high atom economy, and easy scale-up, enabling efficient assembly of a wide range of α-difluorinated alkylborons and alkylsilanes in moderate to excellent yields. The synthetic utility of these products is demonstrated by further transformation of the C-B bond and C-Si bond into valuable CF₂-containing molecules.

Regioselective Radical Hydroboration of gem-Difluoroalkenes: Synthesis of α-Borylated Organofluorines

A regioselective radical hydroboration of gem-difluoroalkenes was developed for the synthesis of α-difluoroalkylborons. The reaction features excellent regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and good functional group capability. DFT calculations implicated the remarkable α-selectivity was driven from the kinetically and thermodynamically more favorable α-addition step. The resulting α-difluoroalkylborons could be readily converted into NHC-borane-tethered monofluoroalkenes, which demonstrated unique reactivity and applicability in the synthesis of monofluoroalkene derivatives through transformations of the boron unit.

Regioselective radical hydroboration of electron-deficient alkenes: synthesis of α-boryl functionalized molecules

A regioselective radical hydroboration of various electron-deficient alkenes is achieved by the employment of an NHC-boryl radical. A range of α-borylated nitriles, trifluoromethyl molecules, phosphonates, sulfones, and gem-diboron compounds have been prepared from readily available starting materials. Further synthetic applications of these products are also demonstrated.