Cyclopalladated 2-t-butyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline: its preparation, and use in the functionalisation of a non-activated carbon-hydrogen bond

Abstract

Activation and functionalisation of one of the methyl groups of pivalic acid can be achieved through cyclopalladation of its 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivative. This reaction gives a separable mixture of dinuclear and trinuclear species. The dimeric complex undergoes insertion of methyl vinyl ketone and of carbon monoxide, but is alkylated by aliphatic iodides, thereby providing a new route to homologated tertiary carboxylic acids.