Photoredox Catalysis Enables Access to N-Functionalized 2,1-Borazaronaphthalenes

The synthesis and utilization of a class of 2,1-borazaronaphthyltrifluoroborate reagents that provide a general solution to the challenge of N-functionalization of the 2,1-borazaronaphthalene core is described. By adorning the nitrogen of this core with a trifluoroboratomethyl unit, a suite of odd-electron processes can be executed, installing motifs that would otherwise be inaccessible using a two-electron approach. In addition, this process enables rapid annulation, furnishing a heretofore unknown polycyclic B–N species.