Regioselectivity in the intramolecular allyl transfer reaction catalysed by electrogenerated nickel complexes: influence of metal ions

The intramolecular transfer of allyl moieties from substituted allyl aryl ethers to carbonyl groups has been studied by electrosynthesis, in a nickel-catalysed reaction. The influence of metal ions such as Mg2+, Zn2+ and Al3+ has been examined. Regioselectivity towards the branched isomer was better with Zn2+ than with Mg2+ ions, but it was higher in the absence of added metal ions.