Cobalt-templated radical processes: inter- and intramolecular coupling of propargyl radicals

A novel method for radical C-C bond formation in the alpha-position to Co-2 (CO)(6)-clusters has been elaborated. The two-dimensional exploration of th e process resulted in the discovery of structurally diverse O- and S-contai ning organic molecules capable of acting as efficient mediators in reductiv e coupling reactions, and in the elaboration of the preparative synthesis o f 3,4-disubstituted 1,5-alkadiynes and carbocycles with eight- and nine-mem bered rings. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.