Development of more labile low electron count Co(I) sources: mild, catalytic functionalization of activated alkanes using a [(Cp*Co)2-μ-(η4:η4-arene)] complex.

Catalytic transfer dehydrogenation of silyl protected amines, requiring sp(3) C-H bond activation, is mediated by a bridging arene complex of the type [(Cp*Co)(2)-μ-(η(4):η(4)-arene)] under mild conditions. Mechanistic and qualitative rate studies establish the compound as a more reactive Co(I) source when compared to other known Cp*Co(I) complexes. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012