Generation of bis(pentafluorophenyl)borane–dimethyl sulfide complex as a solution of hexane and its application to hydroboration of alk-1-yne with pinacolborane

A solution of bis(pentafluorophenyl)borane–dimethyl sulfide complex in hexane was generated by redistribution between tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and borane–dimethyl sulfide complex. In the resulting solution a stoichiometric hydroboration of alk-1-yne with pinacolborane proceeded well at room temperature to afford (E)-alk-1-enylboronic acid pinacol ester in high yield. Bis(pentafluorophenyl)borane–dimethyl sulfide complex served as a mediator for the hydroboration.