Advances in the Light-Promoted Transformations of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligated Boryl Radicals

Abstract Organoboron compounds are integral to modern life, with extensive applications in synthesis, materials science, medicine, and various other domains closely linked to human endeavors. NHC-BH3, noted for its stability, ease of synthesis, and high reactivity as a boryl radical precursor, has emerged as a key focus in boryl radical chemistry. Recently, the visible-light-induced single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes have garnered considerable interest, presenting innovative strategies for generating boryl radicals from NHC-BH3. In the context of this review, our focus is on the synthesis of C–B and X–B bonds under visible light irradiation, facilitated by NHC-BH3. Furthermore, we explored the role of NHC-BH3 as a hydrogen donor or halogen atom transfer reagent in the construction of C–C bonds. 1 Introduction 2 Hydroboration 3 Borylation 4 Construction of X–B Bonds (X = N, O, S) 5 Halogen Atom Transfer Reagent and Hydrogen Donor 6 Conclusion