Cobalt-catalyzed alkyne-dihalomethane-amine coupling: an efficient route for propargylamines

A cobalt-catalyzed three-component coupling of terminal alkynes, dihalomethanes, and amines was developed. This method offers an efficient way for propargylamines via the dual activation of C-H and C-halogen bond. The reaction uses cheap CoBr2 as catalyst and is phosphine ligand-free. A wide range of functional groups were found to tolerate the reaction conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.