Atom-economical cobalt-catalysed regioselective coupling of epoxides and aziridines with alkenes

We demonstrate that a simple cobalt complex can regioselectively couple epoxides and aziridines with alkenes to generate valuable homoallylic alcohols and amines. The intramolecular reaction exhibits complete atom economy and, in contrast to traditional Mizoroki-Heck reactions, does not require stoichiometric amounts of base. An indole derivative was also shown to be a suitable coupling partner. Finally, promising results regarding the development of an intermolecular process using both epoxides and aziridines are reported, as well as preliminary mechanistic studies suggesting a radical mechanism.