Cobalt catalyzed stereodivergent semi-hydrogenation of alkynes using H₂O as the hydrogen source

Cobalt-catalyzed stereodivergent semi-hydrogenation of internal alkynes to alkenes is developed. The reaction proceeded through transfer hydrogenation under mild conditions using a base metal CoI2 as the catalyst, and H2O/MeOH as the hydrogen source with Zn as the reductant. The E/Z-selectivity of the product could be switched by changing the solvent and by inclusion/exclusion of a bidentate phosphine ligand (dppe). This method provides a simple and cost effective pathway for the synthesis of 1,2-dideuterioalkenes.