Cu(II)-Catalyzed Hydroboration Reactions of 1,1-Disubstituted α,β-Unsaturated Ketones, Esters, and Amides in Pure Water.

Here, a Cu2(OH)2CO3-catalyzed hydroboration reaction of 1,1-disubstituted α,β-unsaturated compounds has been developed. The reaction was carried out using water as a solvent at room temperature except for N-monosubstituted α,β-unsaturated amides. This method is applicable to diverse 1,1-disubstituted α,β-unsaturated ketones, esters, and amides, showing excellent reactivity (up to 98% yield). Gram-scale experiments and functional group transformations further demonstrated the practicality of this method.