Samarium(iii) catalyzed synthesis of alkenylboron compounds via hydroboration of alkynes

Abstract

The homoleptic lanthanide complex Sm[N(TMS)₂]₃ is an efficient rare-earth catalyst for the hydroboration of alkynes to the corresponding alkenylboron compounds. Practical applications were demonstrated through a gram-scale synthesis and further transformations of an alkenylboron ester to a series of functional compounds. Isotopic labeling experiments, ¹H NMR monitoring and kinetic studies were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism.