Transition-metal-free C–C bond forming reactions of aryl, alkenyl and alkynylboronic acids and their derivatives

Investigation of new methods for the synthesis of C–C bonds is fundamental for the development of new organic drugs and materials. Aryl-, alkenyl- and alkynylboronic acids and their derivatives constitute attractive reagents towards this end, due to their stability, low toxicity and ease of handling. However, these compounds are only moderately nucleophilic. Consequently, the most popular C–C bond forming reactions of these boronic acids, such as the Suzuki–Miyaura, Heck, and Hayashi–Miyaura reactions, or additions to CO and CN bonds, require catalysis by transition metals. However, due to the toxicity and cost of transition metals, some new methods for C–C bond formation using aryl-, alkenyl- and alkynylboronic acids under transition-metal-free conditions are beginning to emerge. In this tutorial review, the recent synthetic advances in this field are highlighted and discussed.