Diyne-steered switchable regioselectivity in cobalt(ii)-catalysed C(sp2)-H activation of amides with unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes

The regiochemical outcome of a cobalt(ii) catalysed C-H activation reaction of aminoquinoline benzamides with unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes under relatively mild reaction conditions can be steered through the choice of diyne. The choice of diyne provides access to either 3- or 4-hydroxyalkyl isoquinolinones, paving the way for the synthesis of more highly elaborate isoquinolines.

Automated summary

The regiochemical outcome of a cobalt(ii) catalysed C-H activation reaction of aminoquinoline benzamides with unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes under relatively mild reaction conditions can be controlled by the choice of diyne. The choice of diyne allows access to either 3- or 4-hydroxyalkyl isoquinolinones, facilitating the synthesis of more complex isoquinolines.