Synthesis and crystal structure of 4-amino-3-fluorophenylboronic acid

4-Amino-3-fluorophenyl boronic acid has been synthesized from 4-bromo-2-fluoroaniline by protecting the amine group and then carrying out a lithium–bromine exchange, followed by addition of trimethyl borate and then acidic hydrolysis. We obtained a 47% yield. We also measured the X-ray crystal structure. This derivative has a relatively low boronic acid pKa value of 7.8 when acetylated or attached to acrylamide hydrogels. It also contains a pendant amine which facilitates attachment to polymers, for example. We are using this compound to construct glucose sensing materials that operates at the physiological pH of bodily fluids.