Reaction of dibutylchloroborane with sodium–potassium alloy followed by benzoyl chloride; a reinvestigation and discussion

Abstract

The title reaction does not give the previously claimed benzoyldibutylborane. Instead, reduction of benzoyl chloride occurs, leading to benzyloxydibutylborane, some of which reacts further with benzoyl chloride to give benzyl benzoate. The characteristics reported for ‘benzoyldibutylborane’ are matched by a mixture of these two compounds. The work also raises doubts about the nature of the reagent previously designated as ‘Bu2BM’.