Transmetallation of organoboron

The cross-coupling reaction of organoboron compounds with organic halides or triflates proceeds selectively in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium carbonate, phosphate, hydroxide, and alkoxide [11, 45], The bases can be used in aqueous solution, or in suspension in dioxane or DMF. In contrast, the cross-coupling reaction with certain electrophiles, such as allylic acetates [45], 1,3-butadiene monoxide [49], and propargyl carbonates [50], occurs under neutral conditions without any assistance from a base. The transmetallation of organoboron compounds with palladium halides under basic or neutral conditions can be considered to involve three routes, 1, 2, and 3 (Schemes 2-18, 2-20, and 2-23, below). 

Although there is no direct evidence that the boronate anions, such as RB(OH)3, are capable of effecting the transmetafl tiQQjit is quite reasonable to assume a similar effect of the base for the transmetallation of organoboronic acids. The cross-coupling reaction of arylboronic acids with aryl halides at pH 7-8.5 is retarded relative to the reaction at pH 9.5-11 [51]. The of phenylboronic acid is 8.8, thus suggesting the formation of the hydroxyboronate anion [RB((OH)3 at pH > pA and its transmetallation to the palladium(II) halides. The formation of ArB(OH)3 at pH 11-12 has been reported [52]. 

Scheme 5.5 Proposed mechanism for the transmetallation of organoboronic acids. [Rh] = Rh(l)/L [9b, 14].

---