Efficient tandem process for the catalytic deprotection of N-allyl amides and lactams in aqueous media: A novel application of the bis(allyl)- ruthenium(IV) catalysts [Ru(η3:η2: η3-C12H18)Cl2] and [Ru(η3:η3-C10H16)-(μ-Cl) Cl}2]

Abstract

An operationally simple and highly efficient methodology for the removal of the allyl protecting group in amides and lactams has been developed by using the commercially available bis(allyl)-ruthenium(IV) catalysts [Ru(η3:η2:η3-C12H 18)Cl2] (C12H18 = dodeca-2,6,10-triene-1,12-diyl) and [(Ru(η3:η3- C10H16)(μ-Cl)Cl}2] (C10H 16 = 2,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene-1,8-diyl). The tandem process, which takes place in aqueous media and proceeds in a one-pot manner, involves the initial isomerization of the C=C bond of the allyl unit and subsequent oxidative cleavage of the resulting enamide. © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.