Synthesis of substituted allyl acetates from heterocyclic dienes by Pd-promoted arylation-acetoxylation cascade

Pd-catalysed arylation/acetoxylation cascade, the methodology previously reported by our laboratory, was applied in the functionalisation of unsymmetrical dienes. Both explored classes of compounds, isoquinoline and beta-carboline derived dienes, afforded single regioisomers. Although further improvements of the process are necessary, primarily due to lower yields, described functionalisation of the studied compounds might be useful in the synthesis of emetine and related naturally occurring compounds.