Copper-catalyzed hydroboration of propargyl-functionalized alkynes in water

The Cu-catalyzed hydroboration of alkynes in operationally simple and environmentally friendly conditions is reported. The reactions are performed in water, at room temperature, under micellar catalysis. Conditions to form the α or β borylated products selectively have been found and as an application a protocol for the tandem hydroboration/Suzuki coupling in water was developed.