PdI2-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyclocarbonylation of 2-Allyl Phenols to Dihydrocoumarins

A simple, efficient, and regioselective synthesis of 3-methyl-3,4-dihydrocoumarins is reported. The reaction of 2-allyl phenols with synthesis gas was catalyzed by PdI2, and 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-phenyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane (L1) and 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-tetradecyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane (L2) were effective as ligands, affording good product selectivity in all cases.