Building Molecular Complexity via Tandem Ru-catalyzed Isomerization/C-H Activation

A tandem isomerization/C-H activation of allylic alcohols was performed using a catalytic amount of RUCl2(PPh3)(3). A variety of ortho alkylated ketones have been obtained in excellent yields. This tandem process relies on an in situ generation of a carbonyl functional group that directs the ortho C-H bond activation.