First example of a heterobimetallic 'Pd-Sn' catalyst for direct activation of alcohol: Efficient allylation, benzylation and propargylation of arenes, heteroarenes, active methylenes and allyl-Si nucleophiles

Abstract

Arenes, heteroarenes, 1,3-dicarbonyls and organosilicon nucleophiles undergo highly efficient alkylation with allylic, propargylic and benzylic alcohols in the presence of a new 'Pd-Sn' bimetallic catalyst in nitromethane; water being the sole byproduct. The plausible mechanism of alkylation and the intermediacy of ether has been enumerated. � 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.