A non-cryogenic method for the preparation of 2-(indolyl) borates, silanes, and silanols.

2-Indolyl borates are prepared via addition of LDA to a mixture of N-Boc-indole and triisopropyl borate at 0-5 degrees C. Following acidic hydrolysis, the boronic acids are isolated by crystallization in good to excellent yield (73-99%). The method is quite general, tolerating a wide range of functional groups, and also provides access to 2-silyl derivatives (80-91%).