A Low-Energy and Air-stable Single-Atom Copper Catalyst for High Selectivity in Silaboration of Allenes

Abstract

The practical application of Cu(I) single-atom catalysts (SACs) has been severely hampered by their inherent instability and the complexity of their synthesis. This work successfully developed an air-stable and recyclable single-atom copper(I) catalyst (CuI@O-SiC) supported on low-cost silicon carbide (SiC, ~¥3.5/kg). This system effectively replaces the previously reported heterogeneous catalyst based solely on precious metals, demonstrating high selectivity in the α,β-silylboronation of allenes and achieving a turnover frequency (TOF) of up to 6.2713 min−1. With its high efficiency, low energy consumption, and excellent stability, the catalyst demonstrates significant potential for industrial application. The straightforward synthesis of this catalyst enables scalable production and, with future integration into a closed-loop recovery system, would advance its sustainability in line with green chemistry principles.