From precursor to catalyst: the involvement of [Ru(η5-Cp∗)Cl2]2 in highly branch selective allylic etherification of cinnamyl chlorides

(RuCp∗Cl2)2, a general entry into Cp∗Ru sandwich and half-sandwich chemistry was first used as a precatalyst in allylic etherification of cinnamyl chlorides with up to 98:2 regioselectivity (19 examples). Both the solvent effect and the exsiccant reaction condition are crucial to the reactivity and selectivity. Preliminary mechanism studies and the demonstration of Fluoxetine synthesis were presented in this work as well.