Synthesis and Cross-Coupling of Potassium Alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates

Significance

Herein, a new efficient and robust method for the preparation of alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates starting from alkoxides and a common precursor, potassium bromomethyltrifluoroborate, is reported. The products can be cross-coupled with a broad variety of aryl and hetaryl chlorides, leading to O-substituted benzylic alcohols, or their heterocyclic analogues. Both reactions tolerate almost all functional groups. This method gives a direct and simple access to various benzylic esters.