Environmentally friendly organic synthesis using bismuth compounds. Bismuth trifluoromethanesulfonate-catalyzed allylation of dioxolanes

A bismuth trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate)-catalyzed (2.0 mol-%) multicomponent reaction involving the allylation of dioxolanes followed by in situ derivatization with anhydrides to generate highly functionalized esters has been developed under solvent-free conditions. Most reagents used to date for allylation of dioxolanes are highly corrosive and are often required in stoichiometric amounts. In contrast, the use of a relatively non-toxic and non-corrosive bismuth(III)-based catalyst makes this methodology especially attractive for scale-up.