Evidence of Formation of anexo-π-Allyl Complex Intermediate in the Pd0-Catalyzed Alkylation of a Bicyclic Allylic Diacetate with Stabilized Carbon Nucleophiles

The palladium(0)-catalyzed alkylation of 2,3-bis(acetoxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene 1 with malonate-type enolates as nucleophiles is investigated. A monoalkylated product is formed first, and undergoes (depending on the nucleophile used) a second intramolecular reaction leading to spirocyclopropane-annulated bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene derivatives 5. The formation of endo spirobicyclic cyclopropanes adducts as major isomer is rationalized by assuming formation of an intermediate exo-(π-allyl)palladium complex.