Theoretical studies unveil the unusual bonding in oxygenation reactions involving cobalt(ii)-iodylarene complexes

DFT calculations reveal that the iodine of cobalt(ii)-iodylarene complexes acts as a directing group via halogen bonding interaction to substrates. A transient 3c-4e bond is formed during oxidation reactions to decrease the activation energy by electron delocalization. Dehydrogenation of dihydroantharacene proceeds via a novel concerted hydride transfer/proton transfer mechanism.

Automated summary

DFT calculations reveal that the iodine of cobalt(ii)-iodylarene complexes acts as a directing group via halogen bonding interaction to substrates. A transient 3c-4e bond is formed during oxidation reactions to decrease the activation energy by electron delocalization. Dehydrogenation of dihydroantharacene proceeds via a novel concerted hydride transfer/proton transfer mechanism.