CuCl-K2CO3-catalyzed highly selective borylcupration of internal alkynes - ligand effect

An efficient and practical copper-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective borylcupration of internal alkynes with bis(pinacolato) diboron using a catalytic amount of K2CO3 as base producing Z-alkenylboron compounds has been demonstrated by applying the ligand effect: commercially available electron-rich tris(p-methoxyphenyl) phosphine ensures a smooth and efficient reaction. Functionalized alkynes, such as propargylic alcohols and derivatives as well as N-propargyl tosylamide, may also be used with excellent selectivity.