Palladium(II)-catalyzed asymmetric coupling of allylic alcohols and vinyl ethers: Insight into the palladium and copper bimetallic catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo802807w

The use of PdX₂, CuX₂ (X = OAc, OCOCF₃, or Cl), and catechol together with (S,S)-4,4'-bisbenzyl- 2,2'-bioxazoline under O₂ induces the asymmetric coupling of cinnamyl alcohols and vinyl ethers to give (R)-(+)-2-alkoxy-4-benzylidenetetrahydrofurans in 40-53% ee (79% yield). The present study provides implications for the so-called Wacker catalyst of PdX₂ and CuX₂, in terms of that the anionic ligands (X) of Pd and Cu interchange between two metals.