1. The Utility of Cobalt-Complexed Alkynes in Diels-Alder Reactions
Kevin M. Shea, Department of Chemistry, Smith College, Northampton, MA
Diels-Alder reactions of dienes adjacent to cobalt-alkyne complexes are accelerated versus
uncomplexed analogs (above). Cationic dienophiles stabilized by cobalt-complexed alkynes
readily participate in Diels-Alder reactions (below). Efforts are currently underway to expand
the scope of both of these promising results. Eventually, we plan to demonstrate the utility of
these strategies in tandem Diels-Alder/Pauson-Khand reactions for the synthesis of complex
polycyclic compounds.