Copper-Catalyzed Carboxylation of Alkylboranes with Carbon Dioxide: Formal Reductive Carboxylation of Terminal Alkenes

Carboxylation of alkylboron compounds (alkyl-9-BBN) with CO2 proceeded in the presence of catalytic amounts of CuOAc/1,10-phenanthroline and a stoichiometric amount of (KOBu)-Bu-t. The alkylboranes are easily and widely available through the alkene hydroboration, and thus the overall process represents a reductive carboxylation of alkenes with CO2. The broad functional group compatibility and the inexpensiveness of the Cu/1,10-phenathoroline catalyst system are attractive features of this protocol.