Cobalt catalysts containing 'smart' or “task specific” anions

Abstract

In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition having a cation and an anion. In some embodiments, a base is incorporated into the anion, and the cation and the anion form a bifunctional catalyst. In some embodiments, the cation is a chiral cobalt(III) species, and a nitrogenous Brpnsted base is incorporated into counter anions of the chiral cobalt(III) species cation. In some embodiments, the bifunctional catalyst is a tricationic cobalt(III) hydrogen bond donor catalyst, and a nitrogenous Brpnsted base is incorporated into counter anions of the tricationic cobalt(III) hydrogen bond donor catalyst. In another aspect, the present disclosure pertains to a bifunctional catalyst having a smart anion with a cationic metal species. In some embodiments, the smart anion performs a specific role in a chemical reaction without the inclusion of additional external components to accomplish a same specific role in the chemical reaction.