B(C6F5)3-catalysed isomerization of terminal olefins

Abstract

Selective isomerization of terminal olefins to afford new internal olefins is an atom economic reaction that is usually catalysed by metal catalysts. Here, we present a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆F₅)₃]-catalysed isomerization of olefins. Linear α-olefins are converted to 2-olefins in high yields with unsatisfactory stereoselectivity under the applied reaction conditions. At the same time, the biorelevant phenylpropenoid products can be obtained with high regio- and stereoselectivity from the isomerization of allylbenzenes.