Application of the Horner−Wadsworth−Emmons olefination in the construction of E‑α,β-unsaturated β‑boryl nitriles

Herein, we describe a simple transition-metal-free synthesis of E-α,β-unsaturated β-boryl nitriles by the Horner−Wadsworth−Emmons reaction starting from potassium acyltrifluoroborates. The methodology encompasses a broad range of alkyl and aryl substrates. The reaction conditions are simple, and the reaction products are in most cases isolated with good yields as pure E isomers without column chromatography.