Solvent Effects on Heterogeneous Rate Constants for Indium Mediated Allylations.

Indium mediated allylation is a highly selective tool for synthetic chemists to create carbon-carbon bonds, but the first step, heterogeneous reaction of allyl halides at solid indium surfaces, is still poorly understood. For example, the nature of the solvent dramatically affects the rate of reaction, but solvent choice is often based on empirical experiments. Fundamental kinetic studies are the best way to study this effect, but the determination of heterogeneous rate constants is challenging.

Heterogeneous rate constants for indium mediated allylations: cinnamyl chloride in ethanol/water mixtures.

Indium mediated allylation (IMA) offers a powerful tool to synthetic chemists for creating carbon-carbon bonds. However, its rate limiting step, the heterogeneous reaction of allyl halides at solid indium surfaces, is still poorly understood. For example, solvent effects, especially the presence of water, on IMA are dramatic.