Activator-Free Olefin Oligomerization and Isomerization Reactions Catalyzed by an Air- and Water-Tolerant Wacker Oxidation Intermediate

Abstract

A bench-stable, hydroxy-bridged α-diimine-Pd dimer can self-activate to an olefin oligomerization and isomerization catalyst in the presence of substrate (see scheme). A cationic Pd-hydride is generated principally through a Wacker oxidation of olefin to ketone, and with C_(4+) olefins, lesser amounts of allylic C-H activation, β-H transfer, and release of diene products are observed.

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