Ru(II)-Catalyzed Transfer Vinylation of Alcohols.

Ruthenium catalysts are investigated for the transfer vinylation of alcohols using alkyl vinyl ethers as the vinylating agents. Bis(2-methylallyl)(1,5-cycloocta-diene)ruthenium(II) is found to perform the reaction efficiently on many primary alcohols and affords average yields in the transfer vinylation of secondary alcohols. A recycling experiment carried out shows that all reaction components can be separated and that the isolated ethyl vinyl ether can be reused as the vinylating agent without detrimental effect.