Cobalt catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds

A general efficient regioselective cobalt catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated C(sp(3))-H bonds of aliphatic amides was demonstrated using atmospheric (1-2 atm) carbon monoxide as a C1 source. This straightforward approach provides access to alpha-spiral succinimide regioselectively in a good yield. Cobalt catalyzed sp(3) C-H bond carbonylation is reported for the first time including the functionalization of (beta)-C-H bonds of alpha-1 degrees, 2 degrees, 3 degrees carbons and even internal (beta)-C-H bonds. Our initial mechanistic investigation reveals that the C-H activation step is irreversible and will possibly be the rate determining step.