Reversible 1,1-hydroboration: boryl insertion into a C-N bond and competitive elimination of HBR2 or R-H

Boranes with the general formula of HBR2 have been found to undergo a facile 1,1-hydroboration reaction with pyrido[1,2-a]isoindole (A), resulting in insertion of a BR2 unit into a CN bond and the formation of a variety of BN heterocycles. Investigation on the thermal reactivity of the BN heterocycles revealed that these molecules have two distinct and competitive thermal elimination pathways: HBR2 elimination (or retro-hydroboration) versus RH elimination, depending on the R group on the B atom and the chelate backbone. Mechanistic aspects of these highly unusual reactions have been established from both experimental and computational evidence. Adduct formation between HBR2 and A was found to be the key intermediate in 1,1-hydroboration of A.