Cobalt-catalyzed directed C-H alkenylation of pivalophenone N-H imine with alkenyl phosphates.

A cobalt-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst efficiently promotes an ortho C-H alkenylation reaction of pivalophenone N-H imine with an alkenyl phosphate. The reaction tolerates various substituted pivalophenone N-H imines as well as cyclic and acyclic alkenyl phosphates.