Synthesis of Organoboron Compounds via a Palladium-Induced 1,2-Metallate Shift Mechanism

Abstract

This dissertation describes the development of various palladium-catalyzed syntheses of organoboron compounds with the 1,2-metallate shift of organoboron “ate” complexes as a common mechanistic feature. Chapter one discusses the history of the 1,2-metallate shift with a focus on reactions promoted by transition metals, followed by my work on the palladium-catalyzed, enantioselective, halide-tolerant conjunctive cross-coupling reaction to enable the use of Grignard reagents and arylbromides. Chapter two discusses the attempt to engage allylic electrophiles in the conjunctive cross-coupling reaction and the discovery and optimization of the vinylidenation reaction to access 1,1-disubstituted boryl alkenes. Unlike other palladium-catalyzed reactions that proceed by a 1,2-metallate shift, the vinylidenation proceeds by a β-hydride elimination rather than a reductive elimination as the final step in the catalytic cycle. Chapter three discusses the development of the enantioselective conjunctive cross-coupling of propargylic electrophiles to access enantioenriched β-boryl allenes. Methanol additive was found to improve both the yield and enantioselectivity of the reaction. 1H NMR studies show that methanol exchanges with the pinacol ligand on the boron “ate” complex.