The cross-coupling of alkyl (pseudo)halides with alkyl Grignard reagents is catalyzed efficiently by a cobalt(II) chloride–lithium iodide–1,3-diene catalytic system, which provides a new synthetic tool for constructing sp3 carbon chains. This system is particularly useful for creating quaternary carbon centers via the use of tertiary alkyl Grignard reagents. Various functional groups including esters, amides and carbamates are well tolerated.
Key words
cobalt - cross-coupling - Grignard reagents - alkyl halides - quaternary carbon