Solvent-free isomerization of methyl chavicol to trans-anethole using transition metal complexes as catalysts

Metal complexes of Pd, Ru and Rh were studied for the isomerization of methyl chavicol 1-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)benzene to trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-(1-propen-1-yl)benzene) at 491 K and atmospheric pressure without using any solvent. The complex RuCl3(AsPh3)2 · CH3OH showed the highest conversion (97%) with selectivity (87%) for trans-anethole.