The
use of earth-abundant first-row transition metals, such as
cobalt, in C–H activation reactions for the construction and
functionalization of a wide variety of structures has become a central
topic in synthetic chemistry over the last few years. In this context,
the emergence of cobalt catalysts bearing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl
ligands (Cp*) has had a major impact on the development of synthetic
methodologies. Cp*Co(III) complexes have been proven to possess unique
reactivity compared, for example, to their Rh(III) counterparts, obtaining
improved chemo- or regioselectivities, as well as yielding new reactivities.
This perspective is focused on recent advances on the alkylation and
alkenylation reactions of (hetero)arenes with alkenes and alkynes
under Cp*Co(III) catalysis.