Improved Efficiency of the Ruthenium-Catalyzed Redox Isomerization of Allyl Alcohols

Abstract

The new complexes [RuCp(PR3)(CH3CN)2]PF6 (R = Ph, Me, Cy) are highly active catalysts for the redox isomerization of allyl alcohols to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in high yields and high efficiency. All reactions proceed under mild reaction conditions. In some cases, allylations of the carbonyl compounds could be achieved in a tandem catalytic process.