Reactions of biologically inspired hydride sources with B(C6F5)3

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Dehydrogenation of Pyrrolidines to Form Pyrroles

Pyrroles are important N-heterocycles found in medicines and materials. The formation of pyrroles from widely accessible pyrrolidines is a potentially attractive strategy but is an underdeveloped approach due to the sensitivity of pyrroles to the oxidative conditions required to achieve such a transformation. Herein, we report a catalytic approach that employs commercially available B(C6F5)3 in an operationally simple procedure that allows pyrrolidines to serve as direct synthons for pyrroles. Mechanistic studies have revealed insights into borane-catalyzed dehydrogenative processes.

Electron deficient borane-mediated hydride abstraction in amines: stoichiometric and catalytic processes

Borane mediated hydride abstraction of amines efficiently generates useful iminium salts. This review explores this fascinating reactivity and discusses how the iminium intermediates are utilised in a variety of stoichiometric and catalytic processes.

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane-Catalyzed Reactions Using Silanes

The utility of an electron-deficient, air stable, and commercially available Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane has recently been comprehensively explored. While being as reactive as its distant cousin boron trichloride, it has been shown to be much more stable and capable of catalyzing a variety of powerful transformations, even in the presence of water. The focus of this review will be to highlight those catalytic reactions that utilize a silane as a stoichiometric reductant in conjunction with tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane in the reduction of alcohols, carbonyls, or carbonyl-like derivatives.