Synthesis of Allylboranes via Cu(I)-Catalyzed B-H Insertion of Vinyldiazoacetates into Phosphine-Borane Adducts

Cu(I) catalysts enable C-B bond formation via direct insertion of vinyldiazoacetates into B-H bonds of borane-phosphine Lewis adducts to form phosphine-protected allylboranes under mild conditions. The resulting allylborane phosphine Lewis adducts can be used in the diastereoselective allylation of aldehydes directly without the need for removal of the phosphine. The allylation reaction proceeds with high diastereoselectivity and yields 5,6-disubstituted dihydropyranones after treatment with an appropriate acid.