Cobalt-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling To Construct Csp 3 -Csp 3 Bonds via Csp 3 -S and Csp 3 -X Bonds Activation.

A cross-electrophilic coupling of benzyl sulfonium salts with alkyl halides forming Csp 3 -Csp 3 bonds is described by using a Co-based catalytic system. The activation of the stable Csp 3 -S bond of benzyl sulfonium salts under mild reaction conditions leads to various functionalized alkyl derivatives. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of alkyl radicals formed from both alkyl halides and benzyl sulfoniums through a single electron transfer.