Facile synthesis of amino/alkoxy/hydroxy-carbonylated tacrine analogues by employing Pd/Co2(CO)8 mediated bimetallic catalysis is reported herein. A wide variety of amides and esters have been successfully incorporated at C-6 of the tacrine core by employing this useful synthetic technology. The major highlight of this methodology includes the use of cobalt carbonyl in catalytic amounts to enhance the efficiency of the overall reaction. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.