Methyl-transfer reaction to alkylthiol catalyzed by a simple vitamin B12 model complex using zinc powder

► A simple vitamin B12 model complex catalyzed methyl-transfer reaction. ► Methyl group was transferred from methyl tosylate to 1-octanethiol. ► Zinc powder was essential as the reducing reagent to achieve the catalytic cycle. ► The reaction mechanism was investigated by electronic and mass spectroscopies. ► The formation and dissociation of Co-C bond played important roles in the reaction.