Catecholborane

Catecholborane (CAS 274-07-7) is a cyclic organoboron reagent used as a selective hydroboration agent in synthetic chemistry.

Where is Catecholborane used?

• Pharmaceutical synthesis: enantiomerically enriched boronic acid derivatives as building blocks for active pharmaceutical ingredients, including protease inhibitors and antifungal compounds
• Asymmetric hydroboration with chiral rhodium or iridium catalysts generates stereocenters with high selectivity during drug development
• Agrochemical development: synthesis of boron-containing crop protection compounds at the research stage
• Specialty materials research: catalyst precursor and initiator in boron-mediated polymerization processes

Good to know: Moisture-sensitive; typically handled under an inert atmosphere. Purity specifications are commonly confirmed by NMR or GC analysis to meet pharmaceutical intermediate requirements.

Commercial specifications

• Research quantities and larger volumes for process chemistry and scale-up
• Technical and high-purity grades