Cobalt-catalyzed C(sp(2))-H alkoxylation of aromatic and olefinic carboxamides

Abstract

The cobalt-catalyzed alkoxylation of C(sp(2) )H bonds in aromatic and olefinic carboxamides has been developed. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions in the presence of Co(OAc)2 ⋅4H2 O as the catalyst and tolerates a wide range of both alcohols and benzamide substrates, including even olefinic carboxamides. In addition, this reaction is the first example of the direct alkoxylation of alkenes through CH bond activation.

Keywords: CH activation; alkoxylation; cobalt; directing groups; transition-metal catalysis.