The formation of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds using silver tetrafluoroborate as a promoter

Abstract

Silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) is a transition metal salt extensively used in organic syntheses. This review provides insight into the use of the silver salt as a promoter in the synthesis of compounds via the formation of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds. We summarised articles where AgBF4 plays an important role in the activation of coupling sites. These include the elimination of oxygen and sulphur leaving groups, hydride abstraction, halide abstraction and participation in stereo-selective and regio-specific halogenation reactions. AgBF4-mediation in heterocyclisation reactions, ring-opening and successive cyclisation reactions were also reviewed. The uses of the AgBF4 in the heteroatom–heteroatom bond-forming reaction and in the formation of complexes are beyond the scope of this review and were therefore not considered.