A Tandem Catalytic Approach for the Synthesis of Aminophenones Using an Amine-Integrated Bifunctional Cobalt–NHC Complex

We report herein a bifunctional CoIII-NHC complex promoted unique protocol for generating diverse aminophenones from oxindole using aliphatic alcohols and aerial O₂ under mild conditions. The unparalleled dual functionality of this cobalt-catalyst enables the target product formation through a one-pot, sequential hydrogen autotransfer and oxidative transformation pathway, as established by in-depth mechanistic studies. Finally, the synthetic utility of the resulting aminophenones is highlighted by their transformation into various important heterocyclic scaffolds, including quinazoline, quinolinone, oxazine, and quinoline.