Cobalt catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated C(sp(3))–H bonds

A general efficient regioselective cobalt catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated C(sp(3))–H bonds of aliphatic amides was demonstrated using atmospheric (1–2 atm) carbon monoxide as a C1 source. This straightforward approach provides access to α-spiral succinimide regioselectively in a good yield. Cobalt catalyzed sp(3) C–H bond carbonylation is reported for the first time including the functionalization of (β)-C–H bonds of α-1°, 2°, 3° carbons and even internal (β)-C–H bonds. Our initial mechanistic investigation reveals that the C–H activation step is irreversible and will possibly be the rate determining step.