The hydrofunctionalization of alkenes is a foundational class of reactions; however, the analogous reactions for B═C bond-containing species have been virtually unexplored. This work unearths a range of B═C hydrofunctionalization reactions with the 9-borataphenanthrene anion, including hydroalkylation, hydroarylation, hydroalkynylation, hydroamination, hydroalkoxylation, and hydration. The unique reactivity represents an addition to the synthetic chemist's toolbox to access functionalized tetracoordinate borates.
Funding
Welch Foundation (Grant No. AA-1846), the National Science Foundation for a CAREER Award (Award No. 1753025), and the ARC (FT17010007 and DP200100013).