SNS ligand-assisted catalyst activation in Zn-catalysed carbonyl hydroboration

Ligands that include Lewis acid/base functionality have extensive applications in bifunctional catalysis using first row metals. In this work, zinc bis(amido), bis(thiolate) and amido-thiolate SNS complexes were prepared and compared as precatalysts for carbonyl hydroboration using pinacolborane. Mechanistic studies revealed two different ligand-assisted precatalyst activation pathways, both leading to an active and robust zinc alkoxide catalyst. This work furthers our understanding of metal-ligand cooperation in first-row metal catalysis.

Automated summary

In this study, zinc complexes with different ligands were prepared and compared for their catalytic activity in carbonyl hydroboration. Mechanistic studies revealed two pathways for precatalyst activation, leading to an active zinc alkoxide catalyst. This work contributes to a better understanding of metal-ligand cooperation in first-row metal catalysis.