Opportunity

In organic synthesis, potent reducing agents were dominated by group 1 metal elements, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, etc. However, these metal elements are highly reactive and have potential safety issues in store, transportation, and the work-up process during the synthesis. Besides, the reduction reactions often resulted in side-products with high basicity. We developed organoboron compounds, which can be used as a two-electron-reducing agent for organic synthesis. Notably, these organoborate compounds are physically stable and environmentally friendly, rendering them valuable applications for organic synthesis.

Technology

• Developing an organic boryl anion as a potent reducing agent for organic synthesis.
• The preparation of such a boryl anion is easy and straightforward. Compared with alkali metals, the physical properties of these boryl anions are mild, stable, and easy to transport and store.
• This boryl anion can undergo Birch reductions similar to strong metal-based reducing reagents.
• This boryl anion can facilitate E-E coupling reactions, nitrogen-based aromatic C-C coupling reactions, and selectively catalytic CO2 reduction into CO, which can’t be achieved using alkali metals and other reducing agents.
• The borate anion is redox-active/stable, rendering its potential electrochemical application.

Advantages

• Cheap, safe and environment-friendly compared with known metal-based reductant
• Robust two-electron-reducing reagent
• High potential electrochemical application

Applications

• Organic synthesis, pharmaceutical production and material science
• Electrochemical application (lithium battery and solar cell)