Summary of our research on N-boryl pyridyl anion chemistry was published in Accounts of Chemical Research.

A review article summarizing our research group’s work in the field of N-Boryl pyridyl Anion (N-BPA) chemistry was published in Account of Chemical Research. This invited Account encapsulates nearly seven years of systematic investigations into the unique reactivity and applications of N-BPA intermediates.

The review highlights the discovery of N-BPA as a versatile intermediate that exhibits dual reactivity: as a strong electron donor and a potent nucleophile. This property has unlocked novel pathways in redox catalysis, pyridine derivatization, and umpolung transformations. Key achievements include the development of modular photoredox systems for challenging single-electron reduction reactions, innovative strategies for pyridine functionalization, and the creation of novel nucleophilic perfluoroalkylation reagents.

The development of this research field would not have been possible without the dedication and intellectual contributions of our talented graduate students over the years. We extend our deepest gratitude to Li Zhang (PhD, 2015-2020), Huan Yang (PhD, 2014-2019), Fei-Yu Zhou (PhD, 2018-2023), Lutao Bai (PhD, 2020-2024), and Jun-Yan Chen (PhD, 2023-). Their hard work, creativity, and commitment to advancing this field have been instrumental in shaping our research program.