LuCl3/ZnI2 cocatalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes to 1,1-diborylalkenes with pinacolborane

Abstract

A method was developed using LuCl₃/ZnI₂ to cocatalyze the 1,1-diboration of simple terminal alkynes, producing from moderate-to-good yields of 1,1-diborylalkenes. Large-scale synthesis and further transformations indicate that this method has potential practical applications. Isotopic labeling experiments, and control experiments are used to elucidate the reaction mechanism.