Isomerisation of allyl ethers catalysed by the cationic iridium complex [Ir(cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)(PMePh2)2]PF6. A highly stereoselective route to trans-propenyl ethers

Abstract

Allyl alkyl (and aryl) ethers are isomerised by H₂-activated [Ir(cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)(PMePh₂)₂]PF₆ in tetrahydrofuran or dioxan at room temperature to the corresponding trans-propenyl ethers (yields 95%; stereoselectivity 97%).