Silylene–copper(i) catalysis: regioselective protoboration of terminal alkynes

Abstract

Herein, we report an efficient regioselective protoboration of the terminal alkynes catalyzed by newly synthesized silylene–copper(i)–aryl complexes. This method offers a broad substrate scope, good functional-group compatibility, and a gram-scale synthetic ability. The insight into the mechanistic cycle is also provided with the support of experimental and theoretical studies.