Palladium–NHC complexes do catalyse the diboration of alkenes: Mechanistic insights
V. Lillo, E. Mas-Marzá, A. M. Segarra, J. J. Carbó, C. Bo, E. Peris, E. Fernandez
Chem. Commun. 2007, 3380-3382
Abstract: Novel catalytic activation of the B–B bond by palladium(II)–NHC complexes in presence of a mild base (NaOAc) and an excess of diboron reagent enables chemoselective 1,2-diboration of alkenes, suggesting the heterolytic cleavage of diboron rather than oxidative addition of a B–B bond to the metal.