a, Substrate scope of BCP bis-boronates (13, 23–27). Six C1-substituted BCP bis boronates (esters, amino, alkyls, CF3, aryl) were obtained via intramolecular coupling of sulfonyl hydrazones and boronic esters. b, Representative synthesis route towards BCP 23 via (1) DIBAL reduction; (2) dibromination; (3) diborylation/hydrolysis/ hydrazine condensation; and (4) intramolecular coupling. See ‘Synthetic details and optimization of intramolecular coupling’ section in the Supplementary Information for more details.