Homogeneous Pd-catalyzed transformation of terminal alkenes into primary allylic alcohols and derivatives.

Synthesis of primary alcohols from terminal alkenes is an important process in both bulk and fine chemical syntheses. Herein, a homogeneous Pd-complex-catalyzed transformation of terminal alkenes into primary allylic alcohols, by using 5 mol % [Pd(PPh3)4] as a catalyst, and H2O, CO2, and quinone derivatives as reagents, is reported. When alcohols were used instead of H2O, allylic ethers were obtained. A proposed mechanism includes the addition of oxygen nucleophiles at the less-hindered terminal position of π-allyl Pd intermediates.