Electrooxidative Activation of B-B Bond in B2cat2: Access to gem-Diborylalkanes via Paired Electrolysis

This report describes the unprecedented electrooxidation of a solvent (e.g., DMF)-ligated B(2)cat(2) complex, whereby a solvent-stabilized boryl radical is formed via quasi-homolytic cleavage of the B-B bond in a DMF-ligated B(2)cat(2) radical cation. Cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory provide evidence to support this novel B-B bond activation strategy. Furthermore, a strategy for the electrochemical gem-diborylation of gem-bromides via paired electrolysis is developed for the first time, affording a range of versatile gem-diborylalkanes, which are widely used in synthetic society. Notably, this reaction approach is scalable, transition-metal-free, and requires no external activator.

Automated summary

This report describes the unprecedented electrooxidation of a solvent (e.g., DMF)-ligated B(2)cat(2) complex, leading to the formation of a solvent-stabilized boryl radical through the cleavage of the B-B bond. Experimental and theoretical evidence supports this novel B-B bond activation strategy. Additionally, an electrochemical gem-diborylation strategy for gem-bromides is developed, providing versatile gem-diborylalkanes without the need for transition metals or external activators.