NHC/Pd Synergistically Catalyzed Direct Aerobic Oxidative Allylic Esterification of Aldehydes

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-mediated aerobic oxidation of aldehydes has gained interest in recent years. However, its application in NHC/Pd synergistic catalysis has been unexplored. We have developed a strategy to synthesize allylic esters directly from aldehydes and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates using NHC/Pd synergistic (cooperative) catalysis under aerobic conditions. This transformation gives access to the selective formation of multifunctionalized <i>E-</i>alkenes by β-attack on the MBH carbonates. This catalytic system also allows the use of water as a cosolvent and air as the sole green oxidant.