Regio- and Stereoselective Chan-Lam-Evans Enol Esterification of Carboxylic Acids with Alkenylboroxines

Efficient and scalable Cu(II)-mediated enol esterification methodology of carboxylic acids from alkenyl boroxines and boronic acids is presented. The reaction shows a wide scope in aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids in combination with several alkenyl boroxines. In the case of 2-substituted alkenyl boroxines the double bond configuration was fully retained in the enol ester product. Also N-hydroxyimides and imides could be transformed in the respective amidooxy vinyl enol ethers and vinyl enamides. Finally, with the exception of methionine, all other 19 canonical amino acids showed their compatibility to give the enol esters in a stereoselective fashion.