Synthesis of primary and secondary alkylboronates through site-selective C(sp3)-H activation with silica-supported monophosphine-Ir catalysts.

The site-selective activation and borylation of unactivated C(sp(3))-H bonds in 2-alkylpyridines to form primary and secondary alkylboronates was achieved using silica-supported monophosphine-Ir catalysts. This borylation occurs selectively at C-H bonds located γ to the pyridine nitrogen atom. The site-selectivity of this reaction suggests that the C-H bond cleavage occurs with the assistance of a proximity effect due to N-to-Ir coordination.