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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A Protocol for Safe Lithiation Reactions Using Organolithium Reagents
Published on: November 12, 2016
Arylspiroboronate esters: from lithium batteries to wood preservatives to catalysis
Christopher M Vogels1, Stephen A Westcott
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G8, Canada.
Abstract:
The addition of catechol derivatives to boric acid affords a diverse family of compounds called arylspiroboronate esters. Due to boron's relatively low toxicity towards mammals, arylspiroboronate esters have several biological applications and are active for the treatment of wood against fungi and rot. These compounds are also finding increased use in organic synthesis and in catalysis. This critical review presents the synthesis, properties and applications of these remarkable compounds (149 references).
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