Hydride Transfer Enables the Nickel-Catalyzed ipso-Borylation and Silylation of Aldehydes

Abstract

Nickel-catalyzed ipso-borylations and silylations of aldehydes are described for the first time. The new functional-group interconversion protocol is characterized by its scalability, functional-group tolerance and wide substrate scope, including examples of late-stage functionalization of complex molecules. The key for the successful reaction outcome is the use of a ketone as a hydride acceptor that intercepts the nickel hydride to undergo a reductive pathway, thus allowing formation of the desired C−B and C−Si bonds.