Cobalt-Catalyzed Coupling of Conjugated Dienes and Epoxides with CO

Here, we report a cobalt-catalyzed coupling of conjugated dienes, epoxides, and CO for a one-step synthesis of dienes adjacent to 1,3-oxygenated motifs. The choice of ligand is crucial for the reaction’s effectiveness, while Brønsted acids can activate less reactive epoxides or enhance the dehydration process. Applied in the diol–diene fragment of griseoviridin synthesis via the coupling–Corey–Bakshi–Shibata reduction, this method streamlines access to natural product motifs traditionally requiring multistep routes.