Cobalt-catalyzed hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes

Terpenes, consisting of isoprene monomer units, represent a family of naturally abundant compounds. The difunctionalization of terpenes is highly appealing yet remains challenging, since the multiple unbiased C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bonds of terpenes lead to difficulty in controlling the regioselectivity. Herein, a cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation strategy has been developed to facilitate hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes with high chemo- and regio-selectivities. These (chemo- and regio-) selectivities are governed by the coordination abilities of isoprene, directing groups and the steric effect. This terpene difunctionalization also features high atom and step economy through a C–H addition pathway.