Boraformylation and Silaformylation of Allenes.

The boraformylation of allenes with B2 (pin)2 and a formate ester as boron and formyl source, respectively, proceeds in the presence of a copper catalyst. The reaction selectively affords the corresponding β-boryl β,γ-unsaturated aldehydes in good to high yields. Furthermore, the silaformylation of allenes was achieved with a formate ester and PhMe2 Si-B(pin) as the silicon source.