Diallyl 2-alkyl-2-arylmalonates underwent palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylation quickly under mild conditions. In contrast, no reaction took place with diallyl 2, 2- dialkylmalonates under the same conditions. Electron-donating phosphine ligands were found to be vital for this reaction. Most of the solvents used did not affect the catalytic cycle. Catalysis in [bmim][BF4], a well-known ionic liquid, was inhibited as a result of formation of ...
