Table 1. Standardization of reaction conditions.

Entry	Catalyst	Base	Eq.	Solvent	Yield a (%)
1	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	1.2	PhCl	81
2	[Co(TPP)]	KOtBu	1.2	PhCl	71
3	[Co(TPP)]	NaOtBu	1.2	PhCl	66
4	[Co(TPP)]	K2CO3	1.2	PhCl	69
5	[Co(TPP)]	NaOMe	1.2	PhCl	67
6	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	1.2	PhCH3	95
7	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	2	PhCH3	54
8	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	3	PhCH3	0
9	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	1.2	THF	84
10	[Co(TPP)]	LiOtBu	1.2	CH3CN	64
11	[Co(TPP)]	LiO t Bu	1.2	Benzene	97 (89) b
12	—	LiOtBu	1.2	PhCH3	0
13	[Co(MeTAA)]	LiOtBu	1.2	Benzene	94

^aYields were determined by integration of the ¹H NMR signals using acenaphthene as internal standard.

^bIsolated yield between brackets.