University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed novel iron catalysts for allylic C?H functionalization of propylene and simple alkenes.
Description
A newly developed cationic cyclopentadienyl iron dicarbonyl complex has been synthesized and shown to catalyze the conversion of propylene to its allylic hydroxyalkylated derivatives. Yields of up to 95% were reported across a variety of functional groups with distinctive regioselectivity.
Applications
• Regioselective synthesis of specific organic compounds
• Optimizing use of readily available petrochemical feedstock
• Alkene functionalization
• Pharmaceutical product production
Advantages
Propylene is a small hydrocarbon and one of the world’s most abundant petrochemical feedstocks making it an excellent starting material for the synthesis of a wide array of chemical compounds. Previous catalytic methods have had a low to moderate yield of 3–49%. This novel catalytic approach produced larger yields with an enriched diversity of products. Additionally, this catalyst employs the most earth-abundant transition metal (Iron) and circumvents the need for stoichiometric allyl metal reagents.
Invention Readiness
Laboratory experiments have shown that a variety of cationic cyclopentadienyl iron dicarbonyl complexes can catalyze the functionalization of propylene and higher alkenes with yields of up to 95%.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240083932A1
