Sequential Organozinc Formation and Negishi Cross‐Coupling of Amides Catalysed by Cobalt Salt

Herein, a cobalt‐catalysed Negishi‐type cross‐coupling of amide derivatives is described. Apart from being the first example of cobalt‐catalysed Negishi‐type coupling of amides, the process described employs a unique, simple, and cheap catalytic system to perform both the organozinc formation and the Negishi‐type coupling. Indeed, the same cobalt(II) bromide salt used to form the arylzinc species from aryl bromides is then re‐used to perform the cross coupling of this resulting arylzinc with N‐benzoyl glutarimides at room temperature. The main advantages of the reaction presented are its robustness and ease of use. Indeed, the reactions of organozinc formation and Negishi‐type coupling are performed without precautions toward water or oxygen.