Inverting polarity in a cobalt MHAT reaction via reductive catalytic turnover

Abstract

Metal hydride hydrogen-atom-transfer (MHAT) catalysis proceeds via selective hydrogen atom transfer to olefins and is a key strategy in modern organic synthesis. The resulting carbon-centred radicals can engage in classical one-electron, radical transformations. Alternatively, following cage-collapse with the metalloradical and oxidation, an electrophilic alkyl-metal intermediate is formed which reacts as a carbocation equivalent. While this oxidative pathway is well-established, strategies to reverse the inherent polarity of the olefin, such that the internal carbon atom is nucleophilic, remain unexplored. The scarcity of this approach arises from challenges in integrating the classic oxidative MHAT catalytic cycle with single electron reduction of a radical reaction intermediate. Here we demonstrate that a reductive MHAT cycle enables the merger of this field for the first time with reductive radical–polar–crossover. This yields a reaction platform with inverted polarity unlocking the possibility of hydrofunctionalization with electrophiles. We have applied this approach to Markovnikov-selective hydrocarboxylation, using atmospheric carbon dioxide. Notably, this mild method proceeds via a mechanistically distinct pathway when compared to other metals such as nickel and can be applied in the synthesis and late-stage-functionalisation of drug-like molecules.