Studies in acyl C-H activation via aryl and alkyl to acyl "through space" migration of palladium.

Examples of the 1,4-migration of a palladium moiety in aryl- and alkylpalladium intermediates to the acyl position of an aldehyde or formamide have been observed. The resulting acylpalladium intermediate can undergo ester or carbamate formation by reaction with an alcohol; decarbonylation, followed by beta hydride elimination to an alkene; reaction with an organomercurial to form an ester; or alkene insertion. Deuterium-labeling studies have been used to confirm the palladium migration mechanism.