Catalytic Reactions of Allylic Compounds

Both stoichiometric and catalytic reactions of allylic compounds via 7r-allyl complexes are known. Reactions of nucleophilic 71-allyl complexes with electrophiles involve oxidation of metals and hence constitutes stoichiometric reactions. 7i-Allyl complexes of Ni, Fe, Mo, Co and others are nucleophilic and undergo the stoichiometric reaction with electrophiles. However, electrophilic 71-allyl complexes react with nucleophiles, accompanying reduction of metals. For example, 71-allylnickel chloride (2) reacts with electrophiles such as aldehydes, generating Ni(II), and hence the reaction is stoichiometric. In contrast, electrophilic 7i-allylpalladium chloride (3) reacts with nucleophiles such as malonate and Pd(0) is generated. Thus repeated oxidative addition of allylic compounds to Pd(0) constitutes a catalytic reaction. 

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