Approach to the Synthesis of gem-Thiolated Alkylboronates via Cobalt-Catalyzed Diboration of Aldehydes

Org Lett. 2023 Apr 28;25(16):2901-2906. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00889. Epub 2023 Apr 13.

Abstract

A new method has been developed for the sequential gem-thioborylation of readily available aldehydes via the cobalt-catalyzed diboration reaction. The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-cobalt complex has been used as a catalyst for the diboration of aldehydes to generate α-oxyl boronic esters, which react with lithium thiolates to form a tetracoordinate boronate species, which undergoes 1,2-metalate rearrangement in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride. The stepwise functionalization of the boryl and thiol moiety of the products enriches the chemical toolbox of diverse organic synthesis.