Cobalt-catalyzed cyclization with the introduction of cyano, acyl and aminoalkyl groups.

An efficient synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles using C[double bond, length as m-dash]C, C[double bond, length as m-dash]O and C[double bond, length as m-dash]N bonds under cobalt catalysis is described. The substituents on olefins are key for controlling the regio- and chemoselectivity in the initial hydrogen atom transfer step and quaternary carbons are efficiently constructed under mild conditions. Cyclopropane cleavage and tandem cyclization give highly functionalized bicyclic skeletons in a single operation.

A new protocol for nickel-catalysed regio- and stereoselective hydrocyanation of allenes.

Regio- and stereoselective hydrocyanation under nickel catalysis is described. This report shows that allenyl C-C double bonds are discriminated and converted to the corresponding carbonitriles as a single product. The key functionalities for achieving high regio- and stereocontrol are aryl and cyclopropyl groups in the substrates.

Regioselective hydronickelation of allenes and its application to the hydrocyanative carbocyclization reaction of allene-ynes and bis-allenes.

The carbocyanative cyclization of allene-ynes and bis-allenes under nickel catalysis is described. The key steps are the regioselective hydronickelation of allenes and subsequent cyclization via carbometalation. The former step determines the reaction pathway, and the latter controls the stereochemistry of substituted olefins. The products are useful carbo- and heterocycles that include a cyano group, functionalized double bonds, and quaternary carbons.