The transition metal-catalysed hydroboration reaction.

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• The addition of hydridoboranes to unsaturated organic molecules, catalyzed by transition metals, has a long history.
• Interest in this reaction declined after initial discovery but has recently resurged.
• Modern applications leverage earth-abundant metal catalysts and a broader scope of organic substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed hydridoborane addition reactions.
• To highlight the utility of this reaction in assessing new catalytic complexes.
• To provide an overview of developments up to early 2022.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of catalytic hydridoborane addition reactions.
• Focus on transition metal and main group complexes.
• Exclusion of reactions involving diboron sources.

Main Results:

• Significant expansion in the range of applicable catalysts, including earth-abundant metals.
• Broadened substrate scope for unsaturated organic molecules.
• Established use as a diagnostic tool for catalyst evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Transition metal-catalyzed hydridoborane addition is a rapidly advancing field.
• The reaction's versatility makes it invaluable for catalyst discovery and organic synthesis.
• Continued research promises further innovations in catalytic efficiency and substrate scope.