Ruthenium-catalysed reductive cleavage of allylic esters with formic acid and triethylamine. Application to short-step synthesis of α-hydroxy acids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(94)80126-6

Ruthenium-catalysed reductive cleavage reactions of allylic carboxylates and carbonates with formic acid and triethylamine to give olefins were explored.As an application of the ruthenium-catalysed processes, a new synthetic route to α-hydroxy acids has been discovered.The reductive cleavage of allylic esters is considered to proceed through ?-allylruthenium intermediates. Key words: Ruthenium; Catalysis; Reductive cleavage; Allyl; Formic acid