Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction between Unactivated C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H Bonds

Catalytic oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling between unactivated C(sp(2))-H and C(sp(3))-H bonds is achieved by the cobalt-catalyzed o-alkylation reaction of aromatic carboxamides containing (pyridin-2-yl)isopropyl amine (PIP-NH2) as a N,N-bidentate directing group. Many different C(sp(3))-H bonds in alkanes, toluene derivatives and even in the alpha-position of ethers and thioethers can be used as coupling partners. This method has a broad substrate scope and the tolerance of various functional groups.