Enantioselective synthesis of chiral organoborons via carbene B-H insertion catalyzed by engineered neuroglobin

Abstract

The heme-containing globin, neuroglobin (Ngb), was engineered to catalyze enantioselective carbene B-H insertion reaction, affording chiral organoboron compounds up to 66% yield and 97:3 e.r. The rationally designed quadruple mutant, CSFM Ngb, featuring an optimized heme active site for substrate binding, enables efficient and selective borylation under mild aqueous conditions. This new biocatalytic platform offers a sustainable route to valuable boron-based chiral building blocks.