Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.136, No.51, 17722-17725, 2014
Co(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation/Formal S-N-Type Reactions: Selective and Efficient Cyanation, Halogenation, and Allylation
The first cobalt-catalyzed cyanation, halogenation, and allylation via C-H activation have been realized. These formal S-N-type reactions generate valuable (hetero)aryl/alkenyl nitriles, iodides, and bromides as well as allylated indoles using a bench-stable Co(III) catalyst. High regio- and mono-selectivity were achieved for these reactions. Additionally, allylation proceeded efficiently with a turnover number of 2200 at room temperature, which is unprecedented for this Co(III) catalyst. Alkenyl substrates and amides have been successfully utilized in Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C-H activation for the first time.