Stable BF₂ Boracycles as Versatile Reagents for Selective Ortho C–H Functionalization
The development of new boron reagents continues to play a crucial role in advancing modern organic synthesis, particularly in C–H functionalization and cross-coupling reactions. Herein, we report a metal-free, robust, and scalable multigram protocol for the synthesis of stable BF₂ boracycles that requires no column chromatography, providing a practical and efficient route to access these valuable boron species. The BF₂ boracycles exhibit enhanced stability and reactivity, making them highly versatile intermediates for late-stage diversification. They undergo ipso-functionalization to afford a wide array of derivatives, including halogenated (e.g., radioiodinated), hydroxylated, and azidated products. Furthermore, they display excellent reactivity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions, enabling both C(sp²)–C(sp²) and C(sp²)–C(sp³) bond formation. These results underscore the utility of BF₂ boracycles as powerful tools for selective functionalization in pharmaceutical synthesis and beyond. Our work represents a significant advancement in organoboron chemistry, offering both a streamlined synthetic approach and broad applicability for complex molecule construction.
Authors
- Anaïs Prigent
- Magnus J. Johansson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0904-2835)
- Gauthier Foucras
- Henrik Sundén (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6202-7557)
- Thomas Cailly (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5262-4494)
- Ganesh Shinde
- Francoise M. Amombo Noa
- Jonatan Babiker
Institutions
- Normandie Université (FR)
- AstraZeneca (Sweden) (SE)
- Chalmers University of Technology (SE)
- University of Gothenburg (SE)
- Université de Caen Normandie (FR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ChemRxiv
- Published
- 2025-08-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-53g4l
- Primary Topic
- Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission
- Carl Tryggers Stiftelse för Vetenskaplig Forskning
- European Regional Development Fund
- Adlerbertska Research Foundation
- European Social Fund