Advances in the Light-Promoted Transformations of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligated Boryl Radicals

Organoboron compounds are integral to modern life, with extensive applications in synthesis, materials science, medicine, and various other domains closely linked to human endeavors. NHC-BH3, noted for its stability, ease of synthesis, and high reactivity as a boryl radical precursor, has emerged as a key focus in boryl radical chemistry. Recently, the visible-light-induced single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes have garnered considerable interest, presenting innovative strategies for generating boryl radicals from NHC-BH3. In the context of this review, our focus is on the synthesis of C-B and X-B bonds under visible light irradiation, facilitated by NHC-BH3. Furthermore, we explored the role of NHC-BH3 as a hydrogen donor or halogen atom transfer reagent in the construction of C-C bonds. 1 Introduction 2 Hydroboration 3 Borylation 4 Construction of X-B Bonds (X = N, O,S) 5 Halogen Atom Transfer Reagent and Hydrogen Donor 6 Conclusion