Isodesmic C–H Borylation: Perspectives and Proof of Concept of Transfer Borylation Catalysis

The potential advantages of using arylboronic esters as boron sources in C-H borylation are discussed. The concept is showcased using commercially available 2-mercaptopyridine as a metal-free catalyst for the transfer borylation of heteroarenes using arylboronates as borylation agents. The catalysis shows a unique functional group tolerance among C-H borylation reactions, tolerating notably terminal alkene and alkyne functional groups. The mechanistic investigation is also described.