Large-Scale Electrosynthesis of Borylated Azines

Introduction

The Nobel prize-winning Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling involves the palladium-catalysed coupling of a borylated molecule with an aryl halide and is the 2nd most used process by the pharmaceutical sector.

Importance of Azines

Azines are small molecules integral to discovering and manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Using azines in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions represents the ideal solution to introduce these important motifs in discovery molecules.

Challenges in Borylating Azines

However, there are significant challenges:

1. There is currently a very limited way of borylating azines.
2. Borylated azines, especially those containing a boron vicinal to the N-atom, are highly unstable.

Need for New Methods

We urgently need chemical methods that deliver borylated azines in a fast and cost-effective manner, which can then be employed in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions.

Recent Developments

As part of our ERC-2018-StG NEBULAR, focused on the development of novel photochemical strategies in radical chemistry, we recently identified a strategy that generates boryl radicals. This approach provides far greater capability over any other method to both prepare and utilize borylated azines in modular fragment synthesis.

Goals of B-ELECTRO

B-ELECTRO aims to make the synthesis of our borylated azines workable on a large scale, thus making it attractive to the pharmaceutical and agro industries.

Commercialization and Impact

This program provides a unique opportunity for the commercialization of our borylated materials and their utilization by end-users. It aims to provide innovative chemistry solutions and long-lasting impact on the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry, and eventually, our society.