Cationic Cobalt Porphyrin-Catalyzed Allylation of Aldehydes with Allyltrimethylsilanes

Cationic cobalt porphyrin-catalyzed allylation of aldehydes with allyltrimethylsilanes is developed. The formation of the aldehyde-cobalt porphyrin complex, the key intermediate for the addition of allylsilanes, is confirmed by theoretical studies and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine-structure measurements. Facile dissociation of the product by allylation from the cobalt complex regenerates the active complex with the aldehyde. The readily obtainable [Co(TPP)]SbF6 complex serves as an efficient catalyst for this allylation.