Transition metal- and light-free radical borylation of alkyl bromides and iodides using silane.

We report operationally simple and neutral conditions for borylation of alkyl bromides and iodides to alkyl boronic esters under transition metal- and light-free conditions. A series of substrates with a wide range of functional groups were effectively transformed into the borylation products in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies, including radical clock experiments and DFT calculations, gave detailed insight into the radical borylation process.