Cobalt-Catalyzed Coupling of Conjugated Dienes and Epoxides with CO

Here, we report a cobalt-catalyzed coupling of conjugated dienes, epoxides, and CO for a one-step synthesis of dienes adjacent to 1,3-oxygenated motifs. The choice of ligand is crucial for the reaction's effectiveness, while Brønsted acids can activate less reactive epoxides or enhance the dehydration process. Applied in the diol-diene fragment of griseoviridin synthesis via the coupling-Corey-Bakshi-Shibata reduction, this method streamlines access to natural product motifs traditionally requiring multistep routes.