Allylation of alcohols and carboxylic acids with allyl acetate catalyzed by [Ir(cod)2]+BF4- complex

A facile method for the synthesis of allyl alkyl ethers from alcohols with allyl acetate was developed by the use of [Ir(cod)(2)]+BF4- complex. For instance, the reaction of allyl acetate with n-octyl alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ir(cod)(2)]+BF4- complex afforded allyl octyl ether in quantitative yield. Allyl carboxylates were also prepared by the exchange reaction between carboxylic acids and allyl acetate in good yields. The [Ir(cod)(2)]+BF4- complex catalyzed the reaction of alkyl and aromatic amines with allyl acetate to lead to the corresponding allylamines in fair to good yields.