Cobalt-Catalyzed Oxidase C-H/N-H Alkyne Annulation: Mechanistic Insights and Access to Anticancer Agents

Cp*-free cobalt-catalyzed alkyne annulations by C-H/N-H functionalizations were accomplished with molecular O-2 as the sole oxidant. The user-friendly oxidase strategy proved viable with various internal and terminal alkynes through kinetically relevant C-H cobaltation, providing among others step-economical access to the anticancer topoisomerase-I inhibitor 21,22-dimethoxyrosettacin. DFT calculations suggest that electronic effects control the regioselectivity of the alkyne insertion step.