Highly E-Selective Alkene Isomerization Using Me4NF at Room Temperature.

Allylbenzene isomerization to trans-β-methylstyrene is catalyzed by Me4NF (40 mol %) in dry CD3CN under an inert atmosphere at room temperature, delivering high E-selectivity (E:Z = 100:0). The method tolerates diverse substituents but is limited by polar, protic groups. Some preliminary mechanistic studies are also reported.