Redox isomerisation of allylic alcohols catalysed by water-soluble ruthenium complexes in aqueous systems

The process of catalytic isomerisation of various allylic alcohols (alk-1-en-3-ols) into saturated ketones under mild conditions is reported. The water-soluble Na-4[{RuCl2(mtppms)(2)}(2)] Complex, previously reported by us as a precursor to very active hydrogenation catalysts was also found an active catalyst of the redox isomerisation of allylic alcohols in aqueous media. The new Na[Ru (CO)Cp(mtppms)(2)] as well as Na-4[{RuCl(mu-Cl)(C=C=CPh2)(mtppms)(2)}(2)] and Na-2[RuClCp(mtppms)(2)] also showed good to excellent catalytic activities for redox isomerisations in aqueous systems at 50-80 degrees C under inert atmosphere. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.