One-Pot Catalytic Synthesis of 2-(1,2-Dihydroxypropyl)phenol Derivatives from 2-Allylphenols in Aqueous Media

Abstract

Catalytic amounts of the hydrophilic ligand [(HOCH₂CH₂NHCOCH₂)₂NCH₂]₂ and palladium(II) salts, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, water and alcohol, allow the direct transformation of 2-allylphenols into 2-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)phenol derivatives. The mechanism involves sequential isomerisation, epoxidation, and oxirane-opening.

Keywords

alcohols - oxidations - phenols - palladium - epoxidations

References

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7

Less than 55% yield was obtained from this reaction when carried out in the absence of L _H .