Cobalt-Catalyzed Heck-Type Reaction of Alkyl Halides with Styrenes

A cobalt complex, CoCl₂[1,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)hexane], catalyzes an alkylation reaction of styrenes in the presence of Me₃SiCH₂MgCl in ether to yield β-alkylstyrenes. A variety of alkyl halides including alkyl chlorides can be employed as an alkyl source. A radical mechanism is strongly suggested for this alkylation reaction.