A Selective and General Cobalt-Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation of Olefins to Amines

A new cobalt catalyst is presented for the domino hydroformylation-reductive amination reaction of olefins. The optimal Co-tert-BuPy-Xantphos catalyst shows good to excellent linear-to-branched (n/iso) regioselectivity for the reactions of aliphatic alkenes with aromatic amines under mild conditions. This system is far more selective than traditional cobalt(I) catalysts and even better than most known rhodium catalysts.

Automated summary

A new cobalt catalyst has been developed for the domino hydroformylation-reductive amination reaction of olefins, showing excellent regioselectivity under mild conditions. The Co-tert-BuPy-Xantphos catalyst is more selective than traditional cobalt(I) catalysts and even outperforms most known rhodium catalysts.