The
ability of α-borylated naphthalene-based aromatic compounds
is important because it provides ready access to interesting novel
extended π-systems. In this report, we disclose the Ni-catalyzed
α-selective C–H borylations of naphthalene-based aromatic
compounds. The reaction proceeds with peri-xanthenoxanthene
and other aromatic compounds to regioselectively afford the α-borylated
products without directing groups. The selectivities of these transformations
are different from those of Ir-catalyzed C–H borylation reactions
and can be used in a complementary manner.