1,1-Phosphaboration of CC and C=C bonds at gold

The phosphine-borane iPr(2)P(o-C6H4)BFXyl(2) (Fxyl = 3,5-(F3C)(2)C6H3) was found to react with gold(i) alkynyl and vinyl complexes via an original 1,1-phosphaboration process. Zwitterionic complexes resulting from Au to B transmetallation have been authenticated as key intermediates. X-ray diffraction analyses show that the alkynyl-borate moiety remains pendant while the vinyl-borate is side-on coordinated to gold. According to DFT calculations, the phosphaboration then proceeds in a trans stepwise manner via decoordination of the phosphine, followed by anti nucleophilic attack to the pi-CC bond activated by gold. The boron center acts as a relay and tether for the organic group.

Automated summary

The phosphine-borane reacts with gold(i) alkynyl and vinyl complexes, forming zwitterionic complexes as key intermediates with the boron center acting as a relay and tether for the organic group.