Direct palladium/carboxylic acid-catalyzed tandem allylation of <i>o</i> -phenylenediamines with but-2-ene-1,4-diol in water

Abstract A palladium/carboxylic acid-catalyzed tandem allylation of o-phenylenediamines with but-2-ene-1,4-diol has been developed in water. The carboxylic acid additive plays a crucial role in promoting C–O bond cleavage. This environmentally benign protocol affords 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-vinylquinoxalines in good yields via π-allylpalladium intermediates. This method highlights efficient C–N bond formation using inactivated allylic alcohols in an aqueous medium.