Organocatalyzed Visible Light-Mediated gem-Borosilylcyclopropanation

J Org Chem. 2023 Feb 3;88(3):1515-1521. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02535. Epub 2023 Jan 19.

Abstract

The borosilylcyclopropanation of styrene derivatives using a (diiodo(trimethylsilyl)methyl)boronic ester carbene precursor is reported herein. The key reagent was synthesized in a 4-step sequence using inexpensive and commercially available starting materials. This method enabled the preparation of novel 1,1,2-tri- and 1,1,2,2-tetrasubstituted borosilylcyclopropanes up to excellent yields and diastereoselectivity. The reaction is organocatalyzed by eosin Y in the presence of visible light. A mechanism consistent with the experimental observations was postulated based on density functional theory calculations. The versatility of these entities was highlighted through post-functionalization reactions.