Ruthenium-Catalyzed Isomerizations of Allylic and Propargylic Alcohols in Aqueous and Organic Media: Applications in Synthesis

Abstract

Recent research work on ruthenium-catalyzed isomerizations of allylic and propargylic alcohols into carbonyl compounds is reviewed. Tandem processes based on these isomerization reactions are also included.

1 Introduction

2 Isomerizations of Allylic Alcohols

2.1 Redox Isomerization

2.2 The 1,3-Rearrangement

2.3 Tandem Processes

3 Isomerizations of Propargylic Alcohols

3.1 Meyer-Schuster and Rupe Rearrangements

3.2 Redox Isomerization

3.3 Tandem Processes

4 Conclusions and Outlook

Key words

ruthenium - isomerizations - alcohols - homogeneous catalysis - tandem reactions

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