Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed alkenylation of arenes and 6-arylpurines with terminal alkynes: efficient access to functional dyes

Alkenylation of unactivated arenes and 6-arylpurines with terminal alkynes in high yields using Cp*Co(CO)I2 as catalyst under mild conditions is described. This method shows outstanding functional group compatibility and can be applied in the design of a mitochondria-targeted imaging dye.