Abstract: | The acid-catalyzed transfer of a Me group from N,N-dimethylaniline ( 6 ) to vitamin-B12-derived CoI complexes 2a , b was realized (Scheme 3). Hexane-1-thiol ( 8 ) was methylated by the methylcobalt complexes 4a , b in the presence of pyridine. Conditions for the complete cycle, i.e., Me transfer from 6 to 8 with CoI complexes acting as a nucleophile and a nucleofuge have been established. The importance of Zn2+ as activating agent and of the basicity of tertiary amines for the Me transfer has been investigated. |