High-temperature, spontaneous, cobalt cluster-mediated radical coupling reaction

ORGN 607

Gagik Melikyan, gagik.melikyan@csun.edu, Boghos L Mikailian, mikailian23@yahoo.com, and Ruth Sepanian. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff str, Northridge, CA 91330
We report herein the high temperature, stereoselective coupling of dicobalthexacarbonyl-propargyl cations, occurring spontaneously within the temperature range of 40-147°C. Under these conditions, d,l- and meso-(3,4-diphenyl-1,5-hexadiyne)bis(dicobalthexacarbonyl) complexes were formed in good yields (84-93%), and with an excellent d,l-diastereoselectivity (de 80-88%). Elevated temperatures provided for a significant acceleration, bringing the reaction to completion in 1min at 147°C, as opposed to 11h at 20°C. Mechanistic studies revealed a heavy incorporation of 13CO molecules (up to 8) into the metal cores, indicating a one-electron, cluster-to-cluster oxidation along the reaction coordinate. One- and two-step experimental procedures were developed with the former exploiting a triflic anhydride and bypassing the propargyl cation isolation step. Impact of the aromatic substitution (4-, 3,4-, 3,4,5-) upon yield, diastereoselectivity, and kinetics will also be presented.