BBr3-Mediated P(III)-Directed C-H Borylation of Phosphines

Transition-metal-catalyzed C-H borylation has been widely used in the preparation of organoboron compounds. Here, we developed a general protocol on metal-free P(III)-directed C-H borylation of phosphines mediated by BBr3, resulting in the formation of products bearing both phosphorus and boron. The development of the metal-free strategy to mimic previous metallic processes has shown low cost, superior practicality, and environmental friendliness. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate the preferred pathway for this metal-free directed C-H borylation process.

Automated summary

The study developed a metal-free P(III)-directed phosphine C-H borylation method, mediated by BBr3, to synthesize products containing both phosphorus and boron. The metal-free strategy features low cost, practicality, and environmental friendliness.