Boc groups as protectors and directors for Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation of heterocycles.

Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation is found to be compatible with Boc protecting groups. Thus, pyrroles, indoles, and azaindoles can be selectively functionalized at C-H positions beta to N. The Boc group can be removed on thermolysis or left intact during subsequent transformations.

Ir-catalyzed functionalization of 2-substituted indoles at the 7-position: nitrogen-directed aromatic borylation.

Ir-catalyzed borylation of 2-substituted indoles selectively yields 7-borylated products in good yields. N-Protection, required for previous functionalizations of 2-substituted indoles, is unnecessary.