Efficient double bond migration of allylbenzenes catalyzed by Pd(OAc)_2-HFIP system with unique substituent effect

摘要

A novel catalyst system of Pd(OAc)2-HFIP induces double-bond migration of allylbenzenes under mild conditions with low catalytic loading to afford 1-propenylbenzenes. The reaction shows unique substituent effect that is highly dependent on the distance of substituents from the allylic moiety. Thus, the reactivity of substrates bearing a methyl group is ordered in para > meta > ortho, whereas it is entirely reversed as ortho > meta > para for methoxy and chloro substituents.