Branched-Selective Alkene Hydroboration Catalyzed by Earth-Abundant Metals

Catalytic hydroboration of alkenes is a well-established method to access borane-functionalized hydrocarbons. While linear-selective hydroboration was predominantly reported, catalysts enabling opposite selectivity (branched-selective) are attracting considerable interest, especially when Earth-abundant metals are utilized. This Synopsis summarizes recent progress in Earth-abundant-metal-catalyzed, branched-selective hydroboration of alkenes while overviewing the historical contributions to this reaction using precious metals. Lessons learned from the current state of this topic that can guide future catalyst design are presented, along with challenging issues that remain to be addressed.