Cobalt-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Activated Alkenes with Alkynes

Significance

Catalytic processes that effect a new C-C bond formation are of continuous interest for organic synthesis. In this work, a novel coupling reaction of a broad range of alkynes with electron-deficient alkenes such as acrylates, acrylo­nitriles, and enals is reported. The reaction can be performed intramolecularly, affording functionalized cyclic compounds like lactones or lactams. This is a general and practical method for the construction of relatively complex carbon scaffolds from rather simple precursors.