Diastereoselective synthesis of vicinally bis(trifluoromethylated) alkylboron compounds through successive insertions of 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane.

The usefulness of embedded CF3 substituents within organic substructures necessitates the development of diverse methods for incorporating this functional group. A recently reported route to α-trifluoromethylated alkylboron compounds by an α-transfer mechanism has now been extended to the synthesis of unprecedented, vicinally ditrifluoromethylated alkylboron compounds in a diastereoselective fashion. The utility of these products is highlighted by conversion of the C-B bond into other functional groups.