Asymmetric Conjugate Addition to Borylalkenes

Significance

Utilizing chiral rhodium catalysts, arylboron nucleophiles can added asymmetrically to numerous types of activated alkenes, such as α,β-unsaturated ketones, esters, aldehydes, and amides. The authors reveal that protected alkenylboronic acids can be used as electrophiles in this transformation, producing alkyl boron products. This unique Michael acceptor differs from those more commonly used, significantly expanding the scope of asymmetric conjugate additions.