Switch to Allylic Selectivity in Cobalt-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Heck Reactions with Unbiased Aliphatic Olefins

A unique C–H allylation has
been discovered with unbiased
aliphatic olefins. An intimate M–L affiliation between a high-valent
cobalt catalyst and amino-quinoline derived benzamides has been found
to be crucial for this unprecedented selectivity. An exemplary set
of aliphatic olefins, high yields coupled with excellent regio- and
stereoselectivity, and wide functional group tolerances are noteworthy.
In addition, a catalytically competent organometallic Co­(III) species
has been identified through X-ray crystallography. This study is expected
to facilitate new synthetic designs toward unconventional allylic
selectivity with aliphatic olefins.