The phosphinoboration of carbodiimides, isocyanates, isothiocyanates and CO.

The transition metal-free addition of phosphinoboronate ester PhPBpin (pin = 1,2-OCMe) to heterocumulenes including carbodiimides, isocyanates, isothiocyanates and carbon dioxide has been investigated. The corresponding 1,2-addition products were readily prepared at room temperature without the need of a catalyst or added base. Addition of methanol to the compounds derived from addition of PhPBpin to carbodiimides, isocyanates, and isothiocyanates resulted in traditional hydrophosphination products. The methodology developed in this study provides a simple and elegant route for the generation of a wide range of functionalized phosphines. The phosphinoboronate ester PhPBpin also selectively and reversibly adds to CO at room temperature in a 1,2-manner.