Cobalt-catalyzed cyclization with the introduction of cyano, acyl and aminoalkyl groups

An efficient synthesis of carbo-and heterocycles using CvC, CvO and CvN bonds under cobalt catalysis is described. The substituents on olefins are key for controlling the regio-and chemoselectivity in the initial hydrogen atom transfer step and quaternary carbons are efficiently constructed under mild conditions. Cyclopropane cleavage and tandem cyclization give highly functionalized bicyclic skeletons in a single operation.