Borylation and selective reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones under mild conditions catalyzed by Cu nanoparticles

An effective strategy for synthesis of Cu nanoparticles is designed, these nanoparticles have high catalytic activity in conjugate addition of B-2(pin)(2) and alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones. The reaction of protodeboration can proceed with adding NaOtBu. In this way, a new method to reduce the conjugated alkenes of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones is developed with organoboranes as intermediates. Cu nanocrystals also have excellent performance in gram-scale reaction and recycling experiment. A possible mechanism is proposed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.