Abstract
The field of catalytic C–H borylation has grown considerably since its founding, providing
a means for the preparation of synthetically versatile organoborane products. Although
sp2 C–H borylation methods have found widespread and practical use in organic synthesis,
the analogous sp3 C–H borylation reaction remains challenging and has seen limited application. Existing
catalysts are often hindered by incomplete consumption of the diboron reagent, poor
functional-group tolerance, harsh reaction conditions, and the need for excess or
neat substrate. These challenges acutely affect the C–H borylation chemistry of unactivated
hydrocarbon substrates, which has lagged in comparison to methods for the C–H borylation
of activated compounds. Herein, we discuss recent advances in the sp3 C–H borylation of undirected substrates in the context of two particular challenges:
(1) utilization of the diboron reagent and (2) the need for excess or neat substrate.
Our recent work on the application of dipyridylarylmethane ligands in sp3 C–H borylation has allowed us to make contributions in this space and has presented
an additional ligand scaffold to supplement traditional phenanthroline ligands.
Key words
C–H borylation - alkanes - iridium - catalysis - ligand effects