Synthesis of boronic acids 26, 29a, 29b and 33. Reagents and conditions: (i) 2M LDA, THF, BrCH2CO2Et; (ii) H2NNH2, EtOH; (iii) bis pinacolato-diboron, KOAc, Pd(dppf)Cl2, DMF, 90 °C; (iv) 4-methoxy benzyl chloride, NaH, DMF; (v) NCS, DCM; (vi) (BOC)2O, DMAP, CH3CN.