Dodecacarbonyltetracobalt Catalysis in the Thermal Pauson–Khand Reaction

Contrary to common belief [Co4(CO)12] does catalyze the Pauson–Khand reaction under practical laboratory conditions (70°C, 1 atm of CO) [Eq. (1)]. Its catalytic efficiency was further enhanced by an additive (cyclohexylamine, pyridine), which possibly facilitated its disproportionation into and promoted preservation of the catalytically active cobalt species. This is the first practical procedure using the commercially available and more stable [Co4(CO)12] cluster as a catalyst precursor.