Coinage metal complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands as selective catalysts in diboration reaction

Abstract

We describe the improved catalytic reactivity of terminal alkenes with 1,2-diboranes in the presence of Au(I) and Ag(I) complexes when N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are used. The new catalytic systems are able to diminish the undesired β-H-elimination of the alkylboryl–metal intermediates, which leads to the formation of hydroborated byproducts. The electronic properties and molecular the structure of the precursors of the catalysts could explain the modest asymmetric induction provided.