Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation: Azo Directed Selective 1,4-Addition of Ortho C-H Bond to Maleimides.

Highly selective azo directed 1,4-addition of an ortho C-H bond to maleimides has been developed using Co(III) catalyst. This reaction furnishes 3-arylated succinimide derivatives in good yields with excellent selectivity. This protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope and is compatible with symmetrical and unsymmetrical azobenzene derivatives, with maleimides and maleate esters. Preliminary deuterium incorporation studies have been performed to understand the mechanism of the reaction.