Dual Cobalt and Photoredox Catalysis Enabled Intermolecular Oxidative Hydrofunctionalization

A general protocol has been developed for the Markovnikov-selective intermolecular hydrofunctionalization based on visible-light-mediated Co/Ru dual catalysis. The key feature involves the photochemical oxidation of an organocobalt(III) intermediate derived from hydrogen atom transfer, which is supported by electrochemical analysis, quenching studies and stoichiometric experiments. This unique redox process enables the efficient branch-selective alkylation of pharmaceutically important nucleophiles (phenols, sulfonamides and various N-heterocycles) using a wide range of alkenes including moderately electron-deficient ones. Moreover, light-gated polar functionalization via organocobalt species was demonstrated.