Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp2)–CN Bond Activation: Cross-Electrophile Coupling for Biaryl Formation and Mechanistic Insight

Herein, we report a cross-electrophile coupling of benzonitrile derivatives and aryl halides with a simple cobalt-based catalytic system under mild conditions to form biaryl compounds. Even though the cobalt catalyst is able to activate the C(sp2)–CN bond alone, the use of the AlMe3 Lewis acid enhances the reactivity of benzonitriles and improves the cross-selectivity with barely any influence on the functional group compatibility. X-ray structure determination of an original low-valent cobalt species combined with catalytic and stoichiometric reactions reveals a catalytically active cobalt(I) species toward the aryl halide partner. On the other hand, experimental insights, including cyclic voltammetry experiments, suggest the involvement of a cobalt complex of a lower oxidation state to activate the benzonitrile derivative. Finally, density functional theory calculations support the proposed mechanistic cycle involving two low-valent cobalt species of different oxidation states to perform the reaction.