A highly active diradical cobalt(iii) catalyst for the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids

Abstract

The first cobalt-catalysed cycloisomerisation of alkynoic acids is reported, thanks to the design of a well-defined diradical cobalt(III) catalyst, in the absence of any additives. The high efficiency, regioselectivity and chemoselectivity are comparable to those of noble metal-based systems. The unique reactivity might be attributed to second coordination sphere effects.