4-Cyanopyridine-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov selective hydroboration of alkenes

Abstract

A highly selective anti-Markovnikov hydroboration reaction of alkenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron catalyzed by 4-cyanopyridine has been described. This strategy provides an efficient, practical and environmentally benign protocol for the construction of alkylboronates in moderate to good yields under metal-free conditions. A radical mechanism proceeding via a 4-cyanopyridine-ligated boryl radical was proposed.