(N-heterocyclic carbene)-Pd-catalyzed anaerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols and domino oxidation-arylation reactions.

The use of commercially available (SIPr)Pd(cinnamyl)Cl (SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) as a precatalyst for the anaerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols is described. The use of this complex allows for a drastic reduction in the reaction times and catalyst loading when compared to the unsaturated counterpart. This catalytic system is compatible with the use of microwave dielectric heating, decreasing even further catalyst loading and reaction times. Domino Pd-catalyzed oxidation-arylation reactions of secondary alcohols are also presented.