Transition-Metal-Free Cross-Coupling by Using Tertiary Benzylic Organoboronates.

The transition-metal-free cross-coupling of alkyl or aryl electrophiles by using tertiary benzylic organoboronates is reported. This reaction involves the generation of tertiary alkyl anions from organoboronates in the presence of an alkoxide base and then their substitution reactions. This protocol allows the simple and efficient construction of quaternary carbon centers.