Palladium-catalysed alkene chain-running isomerization

We report a method for palladium-catalysed chain-running isomerization of terminal and internal alkenes. Using an air-stable 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline-palladium catalyst in combination with NaBAr4 promoter, olefins are converted to the most stable double bond isomer at −30 to 20 °C. Silyl enol ethers are readily formed from silylated allylic alcohols. Fluorinated substituents are compatible with the reaction conditions, allowing the synthesis of fluoroenolates. Catalyst loading as low as 0.05% can be employed on a gram scale.