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Updated: May 7, 2026

Synthesis of a Borylated Ibuprofen Derivative Through Suzuki Cross-Coupling and Alkene Boracarboxylation Reactions
Published on: November 30, 2022
Selection of boron reagents for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling
Alastair J J Lennox1, Guy C Lloyd-Jones
1School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ, UK. guy.lloyd-jones@ed.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Suzuki-Miyaura (SM) cross-coupling is arguably the most widely-applied transition metal catalysed carbon-carbon bond forming reaction to date. Its success originates from a combination of exceptionally mild and functional group tolerant reaction conditions, with a relatively stable, readily prepared and generally environmentally benign organoboron reagent. A variety of such reagents have been developed for the process, with properties that have been tailored for application under specific SM coupling conditions. This review analyses the seven main classes of boron reagent that have been developed. The general physical and chemical properties of each class of reagent are evaluated with special emphasis on the currently understood mechanisms of transmetalation. The methods to prepare each reagent are outlined, followed by example applications in SM coupling.
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