Mechanism of hydroboration of alkenes by dibromoborane-methyl sulfide. Remarkable catalysis of the reaction by small quantities of boron tribromide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om50003a039

The hydroboration of alkenes with BHBr₂· SMe₂ proceeds by a prior dissociation of the reagent followed by the reaction of BHBr₂ with the alkene to give RBBr₂, which then forms a complex with Me₂S formed in the dissociation step. In conformity with this mechanism, the reaction is remarkably catalyzed by small quantities of BBr₃.