Ionic Ethane-1,2-diboron Species as a Synthetically Useful Dianion Equivalent

Significance

The authors report the addition of 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane to potassium vinyltri­fluoroborate yielding a 1,2-dianion equivalent C₂ species. Subsequent Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling to a number of functionalized arenes, heteroarenes and olefins using the palladium acetate/DavePhos, X-Phos and RuPhos systems affords ethylene-linked biaryls or olefinated arenes, respectively. A broad range of functional groups are tolerated and the products can be isolated in very good yields.