Magnesium-catalyzed hydroboration of organic carbonates, carbon dioxide and esters

Abstract

A low-valent magnesium(I) complex [(^XylNacnac)Mg]₂ was employed as a highly efficient precatalyst for the hydroboration of a variety of cyclic and linear organic carbonates, polycarbonates, CO₂ and esters with HBpin under mild conditions. The resultant boronates can be used for the preparation of the corresponding value-added diols, triols or alcohols through hydrolysis.