The superbasic Co(II) bis(amido) complex Co(TMP)₂ (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide) efficiently promotes regioselective direct Co—H exchange in a range of sensitive pyridines and diazines, substrates that are typically challenging for conventional alkali-metal bases.
Mechanistic studies revealed that regioselectivity is governed by coordination effects. Furthermore, the redox flexibility of the cobalt center enables downstream C—N bond formation upon oxidative treatment.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Eva Hevia.

References:

• N. Jin, M. Mu, M. García-Melchor, E. Hevia;
  "Coordination-Driven Direct C—H Metalation of N-Heterocycles With a Superbasic Co(II) Amide Co(TMP)₂"
  Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2026, e7728005/1-13, (accepted); doi:10.1002/anie.7728005.