Photoelectrochemical Iron-Catalyzed C(sp3)–H Borylation of Alkanes in a Position-Selective Manner

Abstract

Catalytic C–H borylation is of prime topical importance, since easily available feedstock chemicals can thereby be transformed into valuable transient functional groups in the absence of directing groups. Herein, we disclose an iron-catalyzed C(sp³)–H borylation of simple, non-prefunctionalized alkanes, providing access to value-added products in a single step by means of photoelectrochemistry. The power of merging photo- and electrochemistry was mirrored by ample scope and exceedingly mild reaction conditions. Moreover, an outstanding position-selectivity in favor of primary C(sp³)–H proved viable within the photoelectrochemical borylation through a chemo-selective anodic overoxidation manifold. The ferro-photoelectrochemistry strategy avoids toxic precious transition metals, enabling C(sp³)–H borylations in a site-selective fashion.