Cobalt-catalysed enantioselective C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling

Enantioselective C(sp(3))-C(sp(3)) coupling substantially impacts organic synthesis but remains challenging. Cobalt has played an important role in the development of homogeneous organometallic catalysis, but there are few examples of its use in asymmetric cross-coupling. Here we report a cobalt-catalysed enantioselective C(sp(3))-C(sp(3)) coupling reaction, namely, alkene hydroalkylation, to access chiral fluoroalkanes. This reaction represents a catalyst-controlled enantioselective coupling mode in which a tailor-made auxiliary is unnecessary; via this reaction, an aliphatic C-F stereogenic centre can be introduced at the desired position in an alkyl chain.

Automated summary

The cobalt-catalysed enantioselective C(sp(3))-C(sp(3) coupling reaction enables the synthesis of chiral fluoroalkanes without the need for tailor-made auxiliary, allowing for the introduction of an aliphatic C-F stereogenic center at the desired position in an alkyl chain.