Cobalt‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation and Deuteration Reactions of Bicyclic Alkenes in an Aqueous Environment

Herein, we report cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogenation and deuteration reactions of bicyclic alkenes using H2O and D2O as the sole hydrogen and deuterium sources, respectively, employing Zn or Mn as a metal reductant. Lewis‐acid co‐catalysts were found to promote the reaction whilst simultaneously catalyzing transesterification processes. Use of 1 atm of H2 allows for catalytic loading of the metal reductant. In all cases, the reaction operated with high functional‐group tolerance and produced reduced products in high yield. This study presents cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogenation and deuteration of bicyclic alkenes, utilizing H2O and D2O as hydrogen sources with Zn0 or Mn0 reductants. Lewis‐acid co‐catalysts facilitated reactions and promoted transesterification. Introduction of 1 atm of H2 allowed catalytic metal reductant loading. These processes displayed excellent functional‐group tolerance, consistently yielding high‐product yields.