Cobalt Catalyst Determines Regioselectivity in Ring Opening of Epoxides with Aryl Halides

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Jun 30;143(25):9368-9376. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c00659. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

Abstract

Ring-opening of epoxides furnishing either linear or branched products belongs to the group of classic transformations in organic synthesis. However, the regioselective cross-electrophile coupling of aryl epoxides with aryl halides still represents a key challenge. Herein, we report that the vitamin B12/Ni dual-catalytic system allows for the selective synthesis of linear products under blue-light irradiation, thus complementing methodologies that give access to branched alcohols. Experimental and theoretical studies corroborate the proposed mechanism involving alkylcobalamin as an intermediate in this reaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't