Merging dual photoredox/cobalt catalysis and boronic acid (derivatives) activation for the Minisci reaction
Serena Pillitteria, Prabhat Ranjanb, Gerardo M. Ojeda-Carraleroa,c, Laura Y. Vázquez Amayaa, Javier E. Alfonso-Ramosd, Erik V. Van der Eyckena,e, Upendra K. Sharmaa
- aLaboratory for Organic & Microwave-Assisted Chemistry (LOMAC), Department of Chemistry, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
- bAachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
- cDepartment of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, Havana 10400, Cuba
- dLaboratory of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, Havana 10400, Cuba
- ePeoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya street 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
Read the publication that featured this abstractThe merger of open-shell and closed-shell organometallic chemistry steps has enabled multiple effective cross-coupling pathways. Here we report a visible-light promoted photoredox-cobalt catalyzed Minisci reaction of N-heteroarenes under mild and sustainable conditions, employing various boronic acids and derivatives as alkyl radical precursors. This study demonstrates the prominent ability of the Co co-catalyst to promote the oxidation step of the photocatalytic cycle following a reductive quenching pathway, thus avoiding the use of stoichiometric (inorganic) oxidants. This feature enables the straightforward application of photo-flow conditions, particularly attractive for an easy scale-up and to enhance the efficiency of the reaction (throughput: 0.78 mmol/h in flow vs 0.02 mmol/h in batch) Furthermore, the process is predominantly selective towards the C2-alkylation of quinolines, and a mechanistic rationale has been provided with both experimental and DFT calculation support. The developed protocol demonstrates broad applicability for the alkylation of different N-heteroarenes under suitable homogeneous conditions for a flow-compatible Minisci reaction.
Get in touch
For more information on flow chemistry systems and services please use the contact methods below.
Call us on +44 (0)1284 728659 or Email us
Resource Centre
R-Series

The Vapourtec R-Series is, quite simply, unrivalled for flow chemistry
- Flexible |
- Precise |
- Automatable
The R-Series is undoubtedly the most versatile, modular flow chemistry system available today.
E-Series

The Vapourtec E-Series is the perfect introductory system for flow chemistry
- Robust |
- Easy to use |
- Affordable
The E-Series is a robust and affordable, entry level flow chemistry system designed for reliability and ease of use.