Markovnikov-Selective Hydroboration of Vinylarenes Catalyzed by a Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymer.

Highly efficient and practical hydroboration of alkenes has been catalyzed by an inexpensive and air-stable cobalt(II) coordination polymer (CP) in the presence of KO tBu. Complete conversion of alkenes to alkylboronates were performed within just 5 min with low catalyst loading (0.025 mol %), achieving the record high turnover frequencies of up to 47 520 h-1. For a range of vinylarenes, unusual Markovnikov selectivity was observed.