Access to γ‐Iodo‐gem‐Diborylated Cyclopentanes and to Bicyclic Cyclopropanes

A formal atom transfer radical [3+2] annulation (ATRAn) reaction between different homoallyl radical precursors and 1,1‐diborylethene was developed. It provides a rapid access to polysubstituted cyclopentanes containing a gem‐diboronic ester moiety. The synthetic utility of theses uniquely functionalized 5‐membered rings is highlighted by their easy conversion to attractive borylated building blocks such as 1‐borylated bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. The ATRAn reaction was extended to homopropagylic radicals giving access to unique allylic gem‐diboronic esters that could be used in allylboration of aldehydes. Furthermore, this work highlights that 1,1‐diborylethene represents a synthetic equivalent to ketene, a so far elusive radical trap due to its daunting reactivity.