Catalytic Olefin Transpositions Facilitated by Ruthenium N,N,N-Pincer Complexes

Previous reports with our N,N,N-pincer Ru-hydride catalysts have shown their synthetic versatility toward various transfer hydrogenation reactions and pi-bond functionalizations. In this report, we expand the reactivity of these complexes to encompass olefin transposition/isomerizations. The protocol proceeds at room temperature for most substrates, achieving excellent yields, regioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity in short reaction times. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential for one-pot cascade sequences of the products derived from the transposition reactions.