Boronyl-Group-Assisted Decatungstate-Catalyzed Benzylic C(sp³)–H Alkylation

Boronic acid synthesis primarily involves the introduction of boronyl groups. However, an alternative route that involves the functionalization of boronic acids has not received much attention. This study describes the catalytic C(sp3)–H alkylation of ortho-tolylboronic acids utilizing the interaction between a free boronyl group [−B(OH)2] and a decatungstate photocatalyst [W10O32]4–. The boronyl groups of the alkylated products could be converted without isolation of the alkylated product.