Benzoxaboroles – Old compounds with new applications

This comprehensive review covers the structure, methods of synthesis, properties and fields of application of benzoxaboroles – derivatives of phenylboronic acids. Some of the title compounds were described over 50 years ago, however most of them have been investigated only recently due to their exceptional properties and wide applications. In addition to their usage as building blocks and protecting groups in organic synthesis, certain benzoxaboroles display biological activity and are under clinical trials. They also bind hydroxyl compounds and thus can be applied as molecular receptors for sugars and glycoconjugates.