Modular asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-diols by single-pot allene diboration/hydroboration/cross-coupling.

Chiral allyl vinyl boronates are generated by catalytic enantioselective diboration of prochiral allenes. They may then be reacted, in situ, with a hydroborating reagent to form a novel triboron intermediate. The least hindered and most reactive C-B bond then participates in cross-coupling wherein the coupling is brought about by the same catalyst as that which catalyzed the diboration reaction. The remaining C-B bonds are then oxidized in the reaction workup, thereby allowing for the modular synthesis of chiral diols in a concise single-pot fashion.