A transition-metal-free method has been developed for the boryl substitution of functionalized aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkenyl halides using a silylborane/alkoxy-base reagent. Borylation of (Z)-alkenyl halides proceeded in a stereoretentive manner.

Boryl substitution of organohalides with a silylborane and alkoxy bases is described. This reaction can be applied to various functionalized aryl halides. Alkyl and alkenyl halides, and even sterically congested aryl bromides also provided the corresponding borylated products in high yields.Mechanistic studies indicated that neither trace transition-metal impurities nor aryl radical species involved in this reaction. (57 words)