CpCo(I) precatalysts for [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions: synthesis and reactivity

The efficient synthesis and structural characterisation of a series of novel CpCo(I)–olefin–phosphite/ phosphoramidite complexes and their evaluation in catalytic cyclotrimerisation reactions are reported. The protocol for precatalyst synthesis is widely applicable to different P-containing ligands, especially phosphites and phosphoramidites, as well as acyclic and cyclic olefins. A selection of the prepared complexes was investigated towards their catalytic performance in [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of diynes and nitriles, as well as triynes. While revealing significant differences in reactivity, the most reactive precatalysts work even already at 75 °C. One of these precatalysts also proved its potential in exemplary (co)cyclotrimerisations towards functionalised pyridines and benzenes. The energetics of complex formation and exemplary ligand exchange with a substrate diyne were elucidated by theoretical calculations and compared with the catalytic reactivity.