REVIEW

Ring-Strain-Promoted Transformations of Bicyclo/Azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane-Derived Boronic Esters

  • Tian-Ge Dong ,
  • Chong-Lei Ji ,
  • De-Wei Gao
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  • School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200120

Received date: 2026-03-16

  Revised date: 2026-04-22

  Online published: 2026-06-18

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 22503056 and 22471166).

Abstract

Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane- and azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane-derived boronic esters (BCB-Bpins) combine high ring strain with the versatile reactivity of organoboron groups, and their transformations are typically driven by strain release. This review summarizes recent advances in BCB-Bpin chemistry through three main pathways: ionic pathways, such as nucleophilic 1,2-shift in boronate complexes; radical approaches, including strain-release-driven additions to BCB-Bpins; and transition-metal-catalyzed stereoselective functionalizations, especially Pd- and Ir-catalyzed stereoselective and asymmetric difunctionalizations. Representative studies, mechanistic features, selectivity control, current challenges, and future opportunities are also discussed.

Cite this article

Tian-Ge Dong , Chong-Lei Ji , De-Wei Gao . Ring-Strain-Promoted Transformations of Bicyclo/Azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane-Derived Boronic Esters[J]. Chinese Journal of Organic Chemistry, 0 : 3021 . DOI: 10.6023/cjoc202603021

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