Cross-coupling of aryl aldehydes and benzyl chlorides enabled by dual N-heterocyclic carbene/cobalt catalysis.

We have developed a dual N-heterocyclic carbene/cobalt-salen catalytic system for the cross-coupling between aryl aldehydes and benzyl chlorides via direct C-H activation of aldehydes. The catalysts employed are readily accessible and the transformation affords ketones in moderate to high yields.