Allylboronates from Vinyl Triflates and α-Chloroboronates by Reductive Nickel Catalysis

Allylboronates are unique building blocks widely used in organic synthesis, but the construction of cyclic allylboranates remains a challenging subject. We demonstrate here a mild and efficient access to this type of compound through the cross-electrophile coupling of vinyl triflates and alpha-chloroboronates. The reaction proceeded with a good substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The ready availability of vinyl triflates from ketones, as well as the rich chemistry of allylboranates, makes our method suitable for the divergent modification of biologically active compounds. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that alpha-chloroboronates were activated via a radical process.