B(OH)3+NaOH⇌NaBO2+Na[B(OH)4]−+H2O
How can the reaction above be made to proceed in the forward reaction?
Addition of cis-1,2-diol
In the reaction,
B(OH)3+NaOH⇌NaBO2+Na[B(OH)4]−+H2O
We see that there is an equilibrium. When cis-1,2-diols are added to the reaction flask, it consumes [B(OH)4]− and thus drives the reaction in the forward direction.