Palladium-catalyzed reaction of norbornene with allyl acetate gave 3-methyl
enetricyclo[4.2.1.0(2,5)]nonane 1 and 2-methylene-3-vinylnorbornane 2 in hi
gh yields. The substituents on allyl acetate strongly influenced the select
ivity. In the reactions of 1- or 3-substituted allyl acetates, cycloadducts
corresponding to 1 were obtained exclusively. Use of methallyl acetate gav
e solely a diene corresponding to 2. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig
hts reserved.