The State of the Art in Azaborine Chemistry: New Synthetic Methods and Applications

Boron-nitrogen heteroarenes hold great promise for practical application in many areas of chemistry. Enduring interest in realizing this potential has in turn driven perennial innovation with respect to these compounds' synthesis. This Perspective discusses in detail the most recent advances in methods pertaining to the preparation of BN-isosteres of benzene, naphthalene, and their derivatives. Additional focus is placed on the progress enabled by these syntheses toward functional utility of such BN-heterocycles in biochemistry and pharmacology, materials science, and transition-metal-based catalysis. The prospects for future research efforts in these and related fields are also assessed.