Copper(I)-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Intramolecular Alkylboration of Propargyl Ethers and Amines

The copper(I)-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective intramolecular alkylation of propargyl ethers and amines bearing an alkyl electrophilic moiety has been developed. The reaction showed high functional group tolerance and gave highly functionalized alkenylboronates bearing heterocyclic rings, which are versatile synthetic intermediates in organic chemistry. The borylation products can be transformed into multisubstituted alkenes through stereospecific transformations. Mechanistic studies showed that the chemo- and stereoselectivity of copper(I)-catalyzed borylation depends on the type of leaving group. Density functional theory calculations suggested that the regioselectivity of the borylcupration of the alkyne is controlled by the electronic effect of the oxygen atom of the propargyl ether in combination with the steric congestion between the boryl group and the substituent at the propargylic position.