Sequential Organozinc Formation and Negishi Cross-Coupling of Amides Catalysed by Cobalt Salt

Herein, a cobalt-catalysed Negishi-type cross-coupling of amide derivatives is described. Apart from being the first example of cobalt-catalysed Negishi-type coupling of amides, the process described employs a unique, simple, and cheap catalytic system to perform both the organozinc formation and the Negishi-type coupling. Indeed, the same cobalt(II) bromide salt used to form the arylzinc species from aryl bromides is then re-used to perform the cross coupling of this resulting arylzinc with N-benzoyl glutarimides at room temperature. The main advantages of the reaction presented are its robustness and ease of use. Indeed, the reactions of organozinc formation and Negishi-type coupling are performed without precautions toward water or oxygen. (Figure presented.).