Catalytic Olefin Transpositions Facilitated by Ruthenium N,N,N-Pincer Complexes

J Org Chem. 2024 Jul 5;89(13):9647-9653. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.4c00304. Epub 2024 Jun 20.

Abstract

In this report, we demonstrate olefin transposition/isomerization reactions catalyzed by a series of N,N,N-pincer (1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline) Ru-hydride complexes. The protocol proceeds at room temperature for most substrates, achieving excellent yields, regioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity in short reaction times. The air-stable Ru-chloride derivatives of these complexes exhibit comparable reactivity enabling benchtop setup and synthetic versatility. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential for one-pot cascade sequences of the products derived from the transposition reactions.