Friedel-Crafts-type allylation of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds with allylic alcohols catalyzed by a [Mo3S4Pd(η3-allyl)] cluster.

With the direct use of allylic alcohols as allylating agents, the Friedel-Crafts-type allylic alkylation of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds catalyzed by a [Mo(3)S(4)Pd(η(3)-allyl)] cluster is achieved. With a 3 mol % catalyst loading in acetonitrile at reflux or 60 °C, a variety of N,N-dialkylanilines and indoles reacted smoothly with allylic alcohols to afford the Friedel-Crafts-type allylation products in good to excellent yields with high levels of regioselectivity.