Cobalt-Catalyzed Allylic C(sp³)–H Carboxylation with CO₂

Abstract

Catalytic carboxylation of the allylic C(sp³)-H bond of terminal alkenes with CO₂ was developed with the aid of a Co/Xantphos complex. A wide range of allylarenes and 1,4-dienes were successfully transformed into the linear styrylacetic acid and hexa-3,5-dienoic acid derivatives in moderate to high yields, with excellent regioselectivity. The carboxylation showed remarkable functional group tolerability, so that selective addition to CO₂ occurred in the presence of other carbonyl groups such as amide, ester, and ketone. Since styrylacetic acid derivatives can be readily converted into optically active γ-butyrolactones through Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, this allylic C(sp³)-H carboxylation showcases a facile synthesis of γ-butyrolactones from simple allylarenes via short steps.