Intercepting Hydrogen Evolution with Hydrogen-Atom Transfer: Electron-Initiated Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Oct 5;144(39):17783-17791. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c08278. Epub 2022 Sep 22.

Abstract

Hydrogen-atom transfer mediated by earth-abundant transition-metal hydrides (M-Hs) has emerged as a powerful tool in organic synthesis. Current methods to generate M-Hs most frequently rely on oxidatively initiated hydride transfer. Herein, we report a reductive approach to generate Co-H, which allows for canonical hydrogen evolution reactions to be intercepted by hydrogen-atom transfer to an alkene. Electroanalytical and spectroscopic studies provided mechanistic insights into the formation and reactivity of Co-H, which enabled the development of two new alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Electrons
  • Hydrogen* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Hydrogen