Synthesis and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Alkyl Amine-Boranes. A Boryl Radical-Enabled Strategy

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Alkyl organoborons are powerful materials for the construction of C( sp 3 )–C( sp 2 ) bonds, predominantly via Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling. These species are generally assembled using 2-electron processes that harness the ability of boron reagents to act as both electrophiles and nucleophiles. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative borylation strategy based on the reactivity of amine-ligated boryl radicals. This process features the use of a carboxylic acid containing amine-ligated borane that acts as boryl radical precursor for photoredox oxidation and decarboxylation. The resulting amine-ligated boryl radical undergoes facile addition to styrenes and imines through radical-polar crossover manifolds. This delivers a new class of sp 3 -organoborons that are stable solids and do not undergo protodeboronation. These novel materials include unprotected α-amino derivatives that are generally unstable. Crucially, these aliphatic organoboron species can be directly engaged in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings with structurally complex aryl halides. Preliminary studies suggest that they enable slow-release of the corresponding and often difficult to handle alkyl boronic acids.