Isomerization of Terminal Epoxides by a [Pd–H] Catalyst: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Mechanistic Study

Well-defined transition metal hydrides in catalytic isomerizations

This Feature Article intends to provide an overview of a variety of catalytic isomerization reactions that have been performed using well-defined transition metal hydride precatalysts. A particular emphasis is placed on the underlying mechanistic features of the transformations discussed. These have been categorized depending upon the nature of the substrate and in most cases discussed following a chronological order.

Hydroformylation of olefins and reductive carbonylation of aryl halides with syngas formed ex situ from dehydrogenative decarbonylation of hexane-1,6-diol

Carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen are liberated from hexane-1,6-diol in a two-chamber reactor and employed for either a hydroformylation of olefins or a reductive carbonylation of aryl halides.

Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using an [Al porphyrin]+[Co(CO)4]−catalyst

A Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using a well-defined aluminum porphyrin catalyst is reported.

Selective rearrangement of terminal epoxides into methylketones catalysed by a nucleophilic rhodium–NHC–pincer complex

The highly nucleophilic complex 1 isomerises terminal epoxides exclusively to the respective methylketones in very high yield under mild conditions.

An air-stable cationic iridium hydride as a highly active and general catalyst for the isomerization of terminal epoxides

We describe the use of an air-stable iridium hydride catalyst for the isomerization of terminal epoxides into aldehydes with perfect regioselectivity.