Highly reactive and chemoselective cleavage of allyl esters using an air- and moisture-stable [CpRu(IV)(π-C3H5)(2-quinolinecarboxylato)]PF6 catalyst

A new catalytic process for allyl ester cleavage has been developed by using a robust cationic CpRu(IV) π-allyl complex of 2-quinolinecarboxylic acid that can be stored for over six months in air without any loss of catalytic activity. The deprotection of various alcohols and acids can be attained simply with high reactivity and chemoselectivity under mild conditions. Furthermore, with continuous removal of the low-boiling point coproduct, a turnover number of 1 000 000 can be achieved.