An Efficient Method for the Hydrolysis of Potassium Organotrifluoroborates Promoted by Montmorillonite K10

An efficient and non-expensive method for conversion of diverse potassium organotrifluoroborates to their corresponding boronic acids promoted by montmorillonite K10 using water as the reaction solvent is described. Further interconversion of potassium organotrifluoroborates to their corresponding boronic esters, via boronic acid intermediates was also successfully accomplished. The products were obtained in good yields, being the rate of hydrolysis influenced by the type of substituent present in the boronic acid.