Solvent-controlled highly selective bis- and monoallylation of active methylene compounds by allyl acetate with Palladium(0) nanoparticle

[GRAPHICS] Palladium(0) nanoparticle has been used as an efficient catalyst for the allylation of active methylene compounds. Very efficient bisallylation is achieved for a variety of active methylene compounds by allyl acetate and its derivatives in one stroke in THF solvent. The reaction in water provides monoallylated product selectively by allyl acetate only. The recovered Pd(0) nanoparticle is recycled. A probable mechanism is suggested.