Cobalt-Catalyzed Coupling of Alkyl Grignard Reagent with Benzamide and 2-Phenylpyridine Derivatives through Directed C-H Bond Activation under Air

Aromatic carboxamides and 2-phenylpyridine derivatives can be ortho-alkylated with Grignard reagents in the presence of a cobalt catalyst and DMPU as a ligand. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature, using air as the sole oxidant. The dialkylated product is selectively obtained when N-methylcarboxamide is employed as a substrate, whereas N-phenyl- or N-isopropylcarboxamide preferentially gives the monoalkylated product.