Poly(2,2′-Bibenzimidazole)-Supported Ruthenium Complex: A Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Redox Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols to Ketones

A metallopolymer, Ru(p-cymene)@poly(2,2 '- BiBzlm), which is synthesized by the incorporation of [Ru(p- cymene)Cl]2 into poly(bibenzimidazoles), was proven to be a general and efficient catalyst for the redox isomerization of allylic alcohols to ketones. Mechanistic experiments showed that this reaction is in agreement with an intramolecular hydrogen shift. This catalyst was also applied to the gram-scale synthesis of a biologically active molecule. Furthermore, this catalyst could be recycled five times without an obvious decrease in activity.

Automated summary

A metallopolymer, Ru(p-cymene)@poly(2,2 '- BiBzlm), derived from [Ru(p- cymene)Cl]2 incorporated into poly(bibenzimidazoles), showed excellent catalytic activity for the redox isomerization of allylic alcohols to ketones. Mechanistic experiments revealed an intramolecular hydrogen shift mechanism. The catalyst was also successfully employed for the gram-scale synthesis of a biologically active molecule, and exhibited good recyclability with no significant loss in activity after five cycles.