Gold-Nanoparticle-Catalyzed Silaboration of Oxetanes and Unactivated Epoxides

Supported gold nanoparticles catalyze the unprecedented insertion of a silylborane into the C-O bond of oxetanes and unactivated epoxides, forming gamma- or beta-silyloxy boronates in good to excellent yields. In the silaboration process the boron moiety is acting as a nucleophile and the silyl as an electrophile. No external additives or ligands are required, while the catalytic system is recyclable and reusable.