Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantio- and Diastereoselective Hydroacylation Reaction

Key words

cobalt catalysis - hydroacylation - trisubstituted alkenes - indanones

Significance

A cobalt-catalyzed hydroacylation reaction is described. By using a simple chiral bis-phosphine ligand, the authors were able to furnish various enantioenriched indanones in moderate to excellent yields, enantioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity.

Comment

Hydroacylation reactions are typically carried out with expensive rhodium catalysts. The application of less expensive cobalt catalyst enabled the authors to hydroacylate trisubstituted olefins under mild conditions. The mechanism is presumed to be analogous to that of the rhodium-catalyzed hydroacylation reaction.