Prompted by the attractive characteristics of organoboronic acids, we have recently started a research program to develop new reactions of these readily available, experimentally convenient and environmentally friendly synthetic intermediates.

One aspect of this research is to design new reactions that allow the conversion of organoboronic acids to a variety of other molecules, including halides, alcohols, amines and amino acids. A common feature of these processess is the control of stereochemistry and the tolerance of a variety of functional groups.

We have recently invented a new multicomponent process involving an organoboronic acid, an amine and a carbonyl derivative. This experimentally convenient reaction proceeds with very high degree of stereocontrol and can be used for the synthesis of various types of amines as well as amino acids. A number of variations of this chemistry are under investigation, including several diastereoselective and enantioselective methods.