The cationic complex [Pd(pi-Allyl)(Isosparteine)](+) PF6- was found to
be a suitable catalyst for asymmetric alkylation of allylic acetates.
Asymmetric allylic alkylation with NaCH(CO(2)Me)(2) was carried out i
n the presence of a 5 mol % of the catalyst to give chiral alkylation
products with high enantiomeric excesses.