Phosphine Oxide-Functionalized Terthiophene Redox Systems.

Main group systems capable of undergoing controlled redox events at extreme potentials are elusive yet highly desirable for a range of organic electronics applications including use as energy storage media. Herein we describe phosphine oxide-functionalized terthiophenes that exhibit two reversible 1e- reductions at potentials below -2 V vs Fc/Fc+ (Fc=ferrocene) while retaining high degrees of stability. A phosphine oxide-functionalized terthiophene radical anion was synthesized in which the redox-responsive nature of the platform was established using combined structural, spectroscopic, and computational characterization. Straightforward structural modification led to the identification of a derivative that exhibits exceptional stability during bulk 2 e- galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and enabled characterization of a 2 e- redox series. A new multi-electron redox system class is hence disclosed that expands the electrochemical cell potential range achievable with main group electrolytes without compromising stability.

Chemiresistive Hydrogen Sensing with Size-Limited Palladium Nanoparticles in Iptycene-Containing Poly(arylene ether)s.

Metal nanoparticles have been widely employed in chemical sensing due to their high reactivity toward various gases. The size of the metal nanoparticles often dictates their reactivity and hence their performance as chemiresistive sensors. Herein, we report that iptycene-containing poly(arylene ether)s (PAEs) have been shown to limit the growth of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and stabilize the Pd NPs dispersion. These porous PAEs also facilitate the efficient transport of analytes. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based chemiresistors and graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) using these PAE-supported small Pd NPs are sensitive, selective, and robust sensory materials for hydrogen gas under ambient conditions. Generalizable strategies including presorting SWCNTs with pentiptycene-containing poly(p-phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) and thermal annealing demonstrated significant improvements in the chemiresistive performance. The polymer:NP colloids produced in this study are readily synthesized and solution processable, and these methods are of general utility.

Wireless Lateral Flow Device for Biosensing.

Many biosensing methods rely on signals produced by enzyme-catalyzed reactions and efficient methods to detect and record this activity. Herein, we report a wireless lateral flow device and demonstrate the conversion of oxidase reactions to changes in the resonance of radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits. The detection is triggered by polyoxometalate-catalyzed oxidative doping of polypyrrole (pPy) when exposed to oxidase-generated H2O2. We have integrated this transduction and RFID capability into a lateral flow device to create a low-cost, rapid, and portable method for quantitative biological signal detection. We further report a new method for creating functional coatings from pPy core-shell colloidal particles bioconjugated for streptavidin-biotin recognition with glucose oxidase or pyruvate oxidase. The biofunctionalized pPy particles coalesce on the nitrocellulose membrane to produce a chemiresistive band. Glucose or pyruvate solutions result in formation of H2O2 at the pPy bands, functionalized with the respective oxidase, to produce conductivity enhancements exceeding 7·105%. Placing the pPy band in the RFID circuit converts the resistivity response to a change of RF resonance. The enzymatic response of glucose oxidase is recorded within 30 min with as low as 0.6 mM of glucose using this lateral flow device. Pyruvate is also shown to produce large responses. The oxidase enzymes/pPy transduction establishes a resistivity-based platform for the construction of a new family of lateral flow devices capable of detecting and quantifying biological targets.

Trace Hydrogen Sulfide Sensing Inspired by Polyoxometalate-Mediated Aerobic Oxidation.

A high-performance chemiresistive gas sensor is described for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an acutely toxic and corrosive gas. The chemiresistor operates at room temperature with low power requirements potentially suitable for wearable sensors or for rapid in-field detection of H2S in settings such as pipelines and wastewater treatment plants. Specifically, we report chemiresistors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) containing highly oxidizing platinum-polyoxometalate (Pt-POM) selectors. We show that by tuning the vanadium content and thereby the oxidation reactivity of the constituent POMs, an efficient chemiresistive sensor is obtained that is proposed to operate by modulating CNT doping during aerobic H2S oxidation. The sensor shows exceptional sensitivity to trace H2S in air with a ppb-level detection limit, multimonth stability under ambient conditions, and high selectivity for H2S over a wide range of interferants, including thiols, thioethers, and thiophene. Finally, we demonstrate that the robust sensing material can be used to fabricate flexible devices by covalently immobilizing the SWCNT-P4VP network onto a polyimide substrate, further extending the potentially broad utility of the chemiresistors. The strategy presented herein highlights the applicability of concepts in molecular aerobic oxidation catalysis to the development of low-cost analyte detection technologies.

A chemiresistive methane sensor.

A chemiresistive sensor is described for the detection of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas that also poses an explosion hazard in air. The chemiresistor allows for the low-power, low-cost, and distributed sensing of CH4 at room temperature in air with environmental implications for gas leak detection in homes, production facilities, and pipelines. Specifically, the chemiresistors are based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) noncovalently functionalized with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) that enables the incorporation of a platinum-polyoxometalate (Pt-POM) CH4 oxidation precatalyst into the sensor by P4VP coordination. The resulting SWCNT-P4VP-Pt-POM composite showed ppm-level sensitivity to CH4 and good stability to air as well as time, wherein the generation of a high-valent platinum intermediate during CH4 oxidation is proposed as the origin of the observed chemiresistive response. The chemiresistor was found to exhibit selectivity for CH4 over heavier hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, benzene, toluene, and o-xylene, as well as gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The utility of the sensor in detecting CH4 using a simple handheld multimeter was also demonstrated.

Hydrogenation of N-Heteroarenes Using Rhodium Precatalysts: Reductive Elimination Leads to Formation of Multimetallic Clusters.

A rhodium-catalyzed method for the hydrogenation of N-heteroarenes is described. A diverse array of unsubstituted N-heteroarenes including pyridine, pyrrole, and pyrazine, traditionally challenging substrates for hydrogenation, were successfully hydrogenated using the organometallic precatalysts, [(η5-C5Me5)Rh(N-C)H] (N-C = 2-phenylpyridinyl (ppy) or benzo[h]quinolinyl (bq)). In addition, the hydrogenation of polyaromatic N-heteroarenes exhibited uncommon chemoselectivity. Studies into catalyst activation revealed that photochemical or thermal activation of [(η5-C5Me5)Rh(bq)H] induced C(sp2)-H reductive elimination and generated the bimetallic complex, [(η5-C5Me5)Rh(µ2,η2-bq)Rh(η5-C5Me5)H]. In the presence of H2, both of the [(η5-C5Me5)Rh(N-C)H] precursors and [(η5-C5Me5)Rh(µ2,η2-bq)Rh(η5-C5Me5)H] converted to a pentametallic rhodium hydride cluster, [(η5-C5Me5)4Rh5H7], the structure of which was established by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction. Kinetic studies on pyridine hydrogenation were conducted with each of the isolated rhodium complexes to identify catalytically relevant species. The data are most consistent with hydrogenation catalysis prompted by an unobserved multimetallic cluster with formation of [(η5-C5Me5)4Rh5H7] serving as a deactivation pathway.

Ni(I)-X Complexes Bearing a Bulky α-Diimine Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Superior Catalytic Performance in the Hydrogen Isotope Exchange in Pharmaceuticals.

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a family of Ni-X (X = Cl, Br, I, H) complexes supported by the bulky α-diimine chelate N, N'-bis(1 R,2 R,3 R,5 S)-(-)-isopinocampheyl-2,3-butanediimine (ipcADI) are described. Diimine-supported, three-coordinate nickel(I)-X complexes have been proposed as key intermediates in a host of catalytic transformations such as C-C and C-heteroatom cross-coupling and C-H functionalization but have until now remained synthetically elusive. A combination of structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational studies were used to establish the electronic structure of each monomeric [(ipcADI)NiX] (X = Cl, Br, I) complex as a nickel(I) derivative supported by a redox-neutral α-diimine chelate. The dimeric nickel hydride, [(ipcADI)Ni(µ2-H)]2, was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction; however, magnetic measurements and 1H NMR spectroscopy support monomer formation at ambient temperature in THF solution. This nickel hydride was used as a precatalyst for the hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) of C-H bonds in arenes and pharmaceuticals. By virtue of the multisite reactivity and high efficiency, the new nickel precatalyst provided unprecedented high specific activities (50-99 Ci/mmol) in radiolabeling, meeting the threshold required for radioligand binding assays. Use of air-stable and readily synthesized nickel precursor, [(ipcADI)NiBr2], broad functional group tolerance, and compatibility with polar protic solvents are additional assets of the nickel-catalyzed HIE method.

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer to a Molybdenum Ethylene Complex Yields a ß-Agostic Ethyl: Structure, Dynamics and Mechanism.

The interconversion of molybdenum ethylene and ethyl complexes by proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) is described, an unusual transformation in organometallic chemistry. The cationic molybdenum ethylene complex [(PhTpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo(C2H4)][BArF24] ([1-C2H4]+; PhTpy = 4'-Ph-2,2',6',2″-terpyridine, ArF24 = [C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2]4) was synthesized, structurally characterized, and its electronic structure established by a combination of spectroscopic and computational methods. The overall electronic structure is best described as a molybdenum(III) complex with a metallacyclopropane and a redox neutral terpyridine ligand. Addition of the nonclassical ammine complex [(PhTpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo(NH3)][BArF24] ([1-NH3]+) to [1-C2H4]+ resulted in a net C-H bond-forming PCET reaction to yield the molybdenum ethyl [(PhTpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo(CH2CH3)][BArF24] ([1-CH2CH3]+) and amido [(PhTpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo(NH2)][BArF24] ([1-NH2]+) compounds. The reaction was reversed by addition of 2,4,6-tri tert-butylphenoxyl radical to [1-CH2CH3]+. The solid-state structure of [1-CH2CH3]+ established a ß-agostic ethyl ligand that is maintained in solution as judged by variable temperature 1H and 13C NMR experiments. A combination of variable-temperature NMR experiments and isotopic labeling studies were used to probe the dynamics of [1-CH2CH3]+ and established restricted ß-agostic -CH3 rotation at low temperature (Δ G‡ = 9.8 kcal mol-1 at -86 °C) as well as ethyl isomerization by ß-hydride elimination-olefin rotation-reinsertion (Δ H‡ = 19.3 ± 0.6 kcal mol-1; Δ S‡ = 3.4 ± 1.7 cal mol-1 K-1). The ß-(C-H) bond-dissociation free energy (BDFE) in [1-CH2CH3]+ was determined experimentally as 57 kcal mol-1 (THF) supported by a DFT-computed value of 52 kcal/mol-1 (gas phase). Comparison of p Ka and electrochemical data for the complexes [1-C2H4]+ and [1-NH3]+ in combination with a deuterium kinetic isotope effect ( kH/ kD) of 3.5(2) at 23 °C support a PCET process involving initial electron transfer followed by protonation leading to the formation of [1-CH2CH3]+ and [1-NH2]+ or a concerted pathway. The data presented herein provides a structural, thermochemical and mechanistic foundation for understanding the PCET reactivity of organometallic complexes with alkene and alkyl ligands.

Ultrafast Photophysics of a Dinitrogen-Bridged Molybdenum Complex.

Among the many metal-dinitrogen complexes synthesized, the end-on bridging (µ2, η1, η1-N2) coordination mode is notoriously unreactive for nitrogen fixation. This is principally due to the large activation energy for ground-state nitrogen-element bond formation and motivates exploration of the photoexcited reactivity of this coordination mode. To provide the foundation for this concept, the photophysics of a dinitrogen-bridged molybdenum complex was explored by ultrafast electronic spectroscopies. The complex absorbs light from the UV to near-IR, and the transitions are predominantly of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character. Five excitation wavelengths (440, 520, 610, 730, and 1150 nm) were employed to access MLCT bands, and the dynamics were probed between 430 and 1600 nm. Despite the large energy space occupied by electronic states (ca. 1.2 eV), the dynamics were independent of the excitation wavelength. In the proposed kinetic model, photoexcitation from a Mo-N═N-Mo centered ground state populates the π*-state delocalized over two terpyridine ligands. Due to a large terpyridine-terpyridine spatial separation, electronic localization occurs within 100 fs, augmented by symmetry breaking. The subsequent interplay of internal conversion and intersystem crossing (ISC) populates the lowest 3MLCT state in 2-3 ps. Decay to the ground state occurs either directly or via a thermally activated metal-centered (3MC) trap state having two time constants (10-15 ps, 23-26 ps [298 K]; 103 ps, 612 ps [77 K]). ISC between 1MLCT and 3MLCT involves migration of energized electron density from the terpyridine π* orbitals to the Mo-N═N-Mo core. Implication of the observed dynamics for the potential N-H bond forming reactivity are discussed.

Selective [1,4]-Hydrovinylation of 1,3-Dienes with Unactivated Olefins Enabled by Iron Diimine Catalysts.

The selective, intermolecular [1,4]-hydrovinylation of conjugated dienes with unactivated α-olefins catalyzed by α-diimine iron complexes is described. Value-added "skipped" diene products were obtained with exclusive [1,4]-selectivity, and the formation of branched, ( Z)-olefin products was observed with no evidence for alkene isomerization. Mechanistic studies conducted with the well-defined, single-component iron precatalyst (MesDI)Fe(COD) (MesDI = [2,4,6-Me3-C6H2-N═CMe]2); COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) provided insights into the origin of the high selectivity. An iron diene complex was identified as the catalyst resting state, and one such isoprene complex, (iPrDI)Fe(η4-C5H8), was isolated and characterized. A combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction, Mößbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and DFT calculations established that the complex is best described as a high-spin Fe(I) center ( SFe = 3/2) engaged in antiferromagnetic coupling to an α-diimine radical anion ( SDI = -1/2), giving rise to the observed S = 1 ground state. Deuterium-labeling experiments and kinetic analyses of the catalytic reaction provided support for a pathway involving oxidative cyclization of an alkene with the diene complex to generate an iron metallacycle. The observed selectivity can be understood in terms of competing steric interactions in the transition states for oxidative cyclization and subsequent ß-hydrogen elimination.

Interconversion of Molybdenum Imido and Amido Complexes by Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

Interconversion of the molybdenum amido [(Ph Tpy)(PPh2 Me)2 Mo(NHtBuAr)][BArF24 ] (Ph Tpy=4'-Ph-2,2',6',2"-terpyridine; tBuAr=4-tert-butyl-C6 H4 ; ArF24 =(C6 H3 -3,5-(CF3 )2 )4 ) and imido [(Ph Tpy)(PPh2 Me)2 Mo(NtBuAr)][BArF24 ] complexes has been accomplished by proton-coupled electron transfer. The 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxyl radical was used as an oxidant and the non-classical ammine complex [(Ph Tpy)(PPh2 Me)2 Mo(NH3 )][BArF24 ] as the reductant. The N-H bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of the amido N-H bond formed and cleaved in the sequence was experimentally bracketed between 45.8 and 52.3 kcal mol-1 , in agreement with a DFT-computed value of 48 kcal mol-1 . The N-H BDFE in combination with electrochemical data eliminate proton transfer as the first step in the N-H bond-forming sequence and favor initial electron transfer or concerted pathways.

Ammonia Activation, H2 Evolution and Nitride Formation from a Molybdenum Complex with a Chemically and Redox Noninnocent Ligand.

Treatment of the bis(imino)pyridine molybdenum η6-benzene complex (iPrPDI)Mo(η6-C6H6) (iPrPDI, 2,6-(2,6-iPr2C6H3N═CMe)2C5H3N) with NH3 resulted in coordination induced haptotropic rearrangement of the arene to form (iPrPDI)Mo(NH3)2(η2-C6H6). Analogous η2-ethylene and η2-cyclohexene complexes were also synthesized, and the latter was crystallographically characterized. All three compounds undergo loss of the η2-coordinated ligand followed by N-H bond activation, bis(imino)pyridine modification, and H2 loss. A dual ammonia activation approach has been discovered whereby reversible M-L cooperativity and coordination induced bond weakening likely contribute to dihydrogen formation. Significantly, the weakened N-H bonds in (iPrPDI)Mo(NH3)2(η2-C2H4) enabled hydrogen atom abstraction and synthesis of a terminal nitride from coordinated ammonia, a key step in NH3 oxidation.

C(sp2)-H Borylation of Fluorinated Arenes Using an Air-Stable Cobalt Precatalyst: Electronically Enhanced Site Selectivity Enables Synthetic Opportunities.

Cobalt catalysts with electronically enhanced site selectivity have been developed, as evidenced by the high ortho-to-fluorine selectivity observed in the C(sp2)-H borylation of fluorinated arenes. Both the air-sensitive cobalt(III) dihydride boryl 4-Me-(iPrPNP)Co(H)2BPin (1) and the air-stable cobalt(II) bis(pivalate) 4-Me-(iPrPNP)Co(O2CtBu)2 (2) compounds were effective and exhibited broad functional group tolerance across a wide range of fluoroarenes containing electronically diverse functional groups, regardless of the substitution pattern on the arene. The electronically enhanced ortho-to-fluorine selectivity observed with the cobalt catalysts was maintained in the presence of a benzylic dimethylamine and hydrosilanes, overriding the established directing-group effects observed with precious-metal catalysts. The synthetically useful selectivity observed with cobalt was applied to an efficient synthesis of the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen.

Cobalt-Catalyzed 1,1-Diboration of Terminal Alkynes: Scope, Mechanism, and Synthetic Applications.

A cobalt-catalyzed method for the 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2Pin2) is described. The reaction proceeds efficiently at 23 °C with excellent 1,1-selectivity and broad functional group tolerance. With the unsymmetrical diboron reagent PinB-BDan (Dan = naphthalene-1,8-diaminato), stereoselective 1,1-diboration provided products with two boron substituents that exhibit differential reactivity. One example prepared by diboration of 1-octyne was crystallized, and its stereochemistry established by X-ray crystallography. The utility and versatility of the 1,1-diborylalkene products was demonstrated in a number of synthetic applications, including a concise synthesis of the epilepsy medication tiagabine. In addition, a synthesis of 1,1,1-triborylalkanes was accomplished through cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration of 1,1-diborylalkenes with HBPin. Deuterium-labeling and stoichiometric experiments support a mechanism involving selective insertion of an alkynylboronate to a Co-B bond of a cobalt boryl complex to form a vinylcobalt intermediate. The latter was isolated and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. A competition experiment established that the reaction involves formation of free alkynylboronate and the two boryl substituents are not necessarily derived from the same diboron source.

Coordination-induced weakening of ammonia, water, and hydrazine X-H bonds in a molybdenum complex.

Although scores of transition metal complexes incorporating ammonia or water ligands have been characterized over the past century, little is known about how coordination influences the strength of the nitrogen-hydrogen and oxygen-hydrogen bonds. Here we report the synthesis of a molybdenum ammonia complex supported by terpyridine and phosphine ligands that lowers the nitrogen-hydrogen bond dissociation free energy from 99.5 (gas phase) to an experimentally measured value of 45.8 kilocalories per mole (agreeing closely with a value of 45.1 kilocalories per mole calculated by density functional theory). This bond weakening enables spontaneous dihydrogen evolution upon gentle heating, as well as the hydrogenation of styrene. Analogous molybdenum complexes promote dihydrogen evolution from coordinated water and hydrazine. Electrochemical and theoretical studies elucidate the contributions of metal redox potential and ammonia acidity to this effect.

Thermodynamics of N-H bond formation in bis(phosphine) molybdenum(ii) diazenides and the influence of the trans ligand.

A series of bis(phosphine) molybdenum(ii) diazenides [(dppe)2Mo(NNCy)(I)], [(dppe)2(CH3CN)Mo(NNCy)][BArF24] and [(dppe)2)(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN)Mo(NNCy)][BArF24] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; Cy = cyclohexyl; ArF24 = (3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)4) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Treatment of the diazenido complexes with a stoichiometric amount of [H(OEt2)2][BArF24] afforded the corresponding molybdenum(iv) hydrazido species [(dppe)2Mo(NNHCy)(I)][BArF24], [(dppe)2(CH3CN)Mo(NNHCy)][BArF24]2 and [(dppe)2(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN)Mo(NNHCy)][BArF24]2, enabling the study of N-H bond dissociation free energies (BDFEs) in the classical Chatt-type bis(phosphine) diazenide platform as a function of ligand (L) trans to the nitrogenous fragment. Deprotonation and electrochemical experiments established that the trans nitrile 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN afforded the least reducing molybdenum(iv) hydrazido complex in the series ( = -1.32 V vs. Fc/Fc+) with the most acidic N-H bond (pKa < 2.6, THF), whereas the ligands CH3CN ( = -1.60 V, pKa < 5.5) and I- ( = -2.03 V, pKa = 9.3) gave more reducing complexes with less acidic N-H bonds. Computational (DFT) studies confirm weak N-H bond strengths of 32.8 (L = I-), 35.4 (L = CH3CN) and 36.2 kcal mol-1 (L = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN) in the hydrazido series.

Expanding Boundaries: N2 Cleavage and Functionalization beyond Early Transition Metals.

Early transition metals are well known to catalyze the cleavage and functionalization of N2 . In this Highlight, recent work showing that a rhenium catalyst is also capable of carrying out this difficult task is summarized, and a synthetic cycle for the stoichiometric incorporation of atmospheric N2 into acetonitrile is presented.

Terpyridine Molybdenum Dinitrogen Chemistry: Synthesis of Dinitrogen Complexes That Vary by Five Oxidation States.

A bimetallic molybdenum complex bridged by an activated dinitrogen ligand and supported by phosphine and terpyridine ligands, [{((Ph)Tpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo}2(µ2-N2)][BArF(24)]2 [(Ph)Tpy = 4'-Ph-2,2',6',2″-terpyridine; ArF(24) = (C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2)4], was synthesized and structurally characterized, and its electronic structure was determined using a combination of experimental and density functional theory computational methods. Each molybdenum atom is best described as molybdenum(II) bridged by a modestly activated [N2](2-) ligand. The cyclic voltammogram of [{((Ph)Tpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo}2(µ2-N2)](2+) displays two reversible reductive and two reversible oxidative features, prompting the preparation and characterization of a series of molybdenum dinitrogen compounds spanning five oxidation states ([{((Ph)Tpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo}2(µ2-N2)][BArF(24)]n, where n = 4, 3, 2, 1, 0). Raman and (15)N NMR spectroscopic data establish that the bridging nitrogen ligand remains intact across the redox series. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to probe the nature of the unpaired electron in the mixed-valent electronic oxidized and reduced products. The singly occupied molecular orbital is principally metal-based in [{((Ph)Tpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo}2(µ2-N2)](3+) and ligand-localized in [{((Ph)Tpy)(PPh2Me)2Mo}2(µ2-N2)](+).

Insight into Transmetalation Enables Cobalt-Catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura Cross Coupling.

Among the fundamental transformations that comprise a catalytic cycle for cross coupling, transmetalation from the nucleophile to the metal catalyst is perhaps the least understood. Optimizing this elementary step has enabled the first example of a cobalt-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling between aryl triflate electrophiles and heteroaryl boron nucleophiles. Key to this discovery was the preparation and characterization of a new class of tetrahedral, high-spin bis(phosphino)pyridine cobalt(I) alkoxide and aryloxide complexes, (iPrPNP)CoOR, and optimizing their reactivity with 2-benzofuranylBPin (Pin = pinacolate). Cobalt compounds with small alkoxide substituents such as R = methyl and ethyl underwent swift transmetalation at 23 °C but also proved kinetically unstable toward ß-H elimination. Secondary alkoxides such as R = iPr or CH(Ph)Me balanced stability and reactivity. Isolation and structural characterization of the product following transmetalation, (iPrPNP)Co(2-benzofuranyl), established a planar, diamagnetic cobalt(I) complex, demonstrating the high- and low-spin states of cobalt(I) rapidly interconvert during this reaction. The insights from the studies in this elementary step guided selection of appropriate reaction conditions to enable the first examples of cobalt-catalyzed C-C bond formation between neutral boron nucleophiles and aryl triflate electrophiles, and a model for the successful transmetalation reactivity is proposed.