Molybdenum-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution. Influence of 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands on Reactivity and Selectivity

Abstract

Some new allylmolybdenum complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline as ligand have been synthesized and shown to have different geometries by NMR and X-ray diffraction analysis. The geometries of the complexes were elucidated by NMR techniques and confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic activity and the influence on regio- and stereocontrol in the alkylation of allylic acetates have been investigated. The 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline complex was found to be a very efficient catalyst for selective conversion of (Z)-allyl acetates into (Z)-products.