Stable BF <sub>2</sub> Boracycles as Versatile Reagents for Selective <i>Ortho</i> C–H Functionalization

G Ganesh H. Shinde (Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296) J Jonatan Babiker (Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296) M Michelle Mebrahtu (Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296) A Anaïs Prigent (Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France) G Gauthier Foucras (Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France) Y Yogesh N. Aher (Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296) F Francoise M. Amombo Noa (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Chalmers University of Technology Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296) M Magnus J. Johansson (Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183 Mölndal, Sweden) J Janez Košmrlj (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology University of Ljubljana Večna pot 113 Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia) R Ross D. Jansen‐van Vuuren (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology University of Ljubljana Večna pot 113 Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia) T Thomas Cailly (Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France) H Henrik Sundén (Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296)

Abstract

Abstract The development of new boron reagents continues to play a crucial role in advancing modern organic synthesis, particularly in C–H functionalization and cross‐coupling reactions. Herein, we report a metal‐free, robust, and scalable multigram protocol for the synthesis of stable BF 2 boracycles that require no column chromatography, providing a practical and efficient route to access this valuable boron species. The BF 2 boracycles exhibit enhanced stability and reactivity, making them highly versatile intermediates for late‐stage diversification. They undergo ipso ‐substitution to afford a wide array of derivatives, including halogenated (e.g., radioiodinated), hydroxylated, and azidated products. Furthermore, they display excellent reactivity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions, enabling both C(sp 2 )─C(sp 2 ) and C(sp 2 )─C(sp 3 ) bond formation. These results underscore the utility of BF 2 boracycles as powerful tools for selective functionalization in pharmaceutical synthesis and beyond. Our work represents a significant advancement in organoboron chemistry, offering both a streamlined synthetic approach and broad applicability for complex molecule construction.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 8
Published February 16, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (12)

G

Ganesh H. Shinde

Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296

J

Jonatan Babiker

Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296

M

Michelle Mebrahtu

Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296

A

Anaïs Prigent

Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France

G

Gauthier Foucras

Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France

Y

Yogesh N. Aher

Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296

F

Francoise M. Amombo Noa

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Chalmers University of Technology Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296

M

Magnus J. Johansson

Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183 Mölndal, Sweden

J

Janez Košmrlj

Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology University of Ljubljana Večna pot 113 Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia

R

Ross D. Jansen‐van Vuuren

Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology University of Ljubljana Večna pot 113 Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia

T

Thomas Cailly

Université de Caen Normandie CERMN UR 4258 Caen 14000 France

H

Henrik Sundén

Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden SE‐41296