Organoboron compounds as versatile reagents in the transition metal-catalyzed C–S, C–Se and C–Te bond formation

Abstract

• Coupling reaction using organoboron compounds. • Organometallic catalysis and coordination. • Different methods for obtaining a new Carbon–Chalcogen bond. • Coupling reactions between different sources of chalcogen and organoboron reagents. Organochalcogen compounds present synthetic and biological applications of extreme relevance. The coupling reaction between boronic acids, borate anions or boronic esters with different sources of chalcogen (S, Se and Te), mediated by transition metals, is a powerful tool for the formation of functionalized diorganyl chalcogenides. By this strategy, selenides, sulfides, and tellurides with high complexity and molecular diversity can be prepared in good to excellent yields. This review covers the use of organoboron compounds as a versatile reagent for the formation of Carbon–Chalcogen bonds using different metallic catalysts (Cu, Ag, Pd, Fe, In, Rh, Ni).