Regioselective Homologation of Bis(boronate) Intermediates Derived from Rhodium-Catalyzed Diboration of Simple Alkenes

Regioselective homologation of alkyl-1,2-bis(catecholboronates) may be accomplished by treatment of these reactive intermediates with TMSCHN2. A convenient process is reported where alkene diboration and the subsequent homologation reaction are accomplished in the same reaction flask.