Visible light-induced cobalt-catalyzed 1,3-diphosphination of alkenes

Abstract

1,3-Difunctionalization of alkenes, as a novel route for the modern development of alkene transformations, has drawn significant research attention in recent years. Herein, we disclose a novel cobalt-catalyzed radical 1,3-diphosphination of alkenes, which enables straightforward access to 1,3-diphosphine skeleton compounds under mild conditions without additional oxidants and photosensitizers. This transformation features excellent functional group tolerance, operational simplicity, and high atom economy, and is amenable for late-stage functionalization of complex molecule skeletons. Preliminary bioactivity studies reveal that these valuable 1,3-diphosphine products show potential antitumor activity.