One-Electron Approach for Trans-Selective Alkyne Semi-Reduction via Cobalt Catalysis.

ABSTRACT: The diastereoselective semireduction of alkynes to alkenes is a powerful transformation in synthetic chemistry, yet catalytic methods for trans-selective (E) alkyne reduction remain limited. Herein, we introduce a fundamentally new approach for the highly selective trans-semireduction of internal alkynes, enabled by a cobalt-catalyzed electrochemical radical pathway. This method offers a broad substrate scope, accommodating alkynes with diverse electronic and steric profiles, and displays exceptional chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance. The methodology was extended to isotopically labeled trans-deuteration and demonstrated excellent chemoselectivity in substrates containing multiple alkyne motifs. Mechanistic studies, including cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry

SUBMITTER: Mondal R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12616701 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature