Asymmetric β-Boration of α,β-Unsaturated Esters with Chiral (NHC)Cu Catalysts

Abstract

Copper complexes containing chiral N-heterocyclic carbene ligands catalyze the regioselective nucleophilic boryl attack at the β-carbon of α,β-unsaturated esters with enantioselectivities up to 74% ee, depending on the nature of the ester group.