Use of acetate as a leaving group in palladium-catalyzed nucleophilic substitution of benzylic esters

The palladium complex prepared in situ from [Pd(η3-C3H5)(cod)]BF4 and bidentate phosphine DPPF was a good catalyst for the nucleophilic substitution of benzyl acetate. Significant acceleration of the palladium-catalyzed substitution was observed when an alcohol was employed as a reaction solvent. The palladium catalyst was effective for the benzylation of various stabilized carbanions, amines, and benzenesulfinate with benzylic acetates.