Novel Non-Radical 1,4-Addition of Trialkylboranes to α,β-Unsaturated Esters

Significance

A 1,4-addition of trialkylboranes to α ,β-unsaturated esters has not been realizable so far. This is due to the fact that electro- and photochemical conditions were needed for an effective addition of the respective boranes. Under these conditions α,β-unsaturated esters undergo rapid radical polymerization. Therefore, this Ni(0)-catalyzed reaction represents a real advance.