Highly selective isomerization of N-allylamides catalyzed by ruthenium and rhodium complexes

Isomerization of N-allylamides (R1CON(R2)allyl) catalyzed by ruthenium and rhodium complexes has been studied. The first catalytic system containing a precursor ({[RuCl2(1,5-COD)]x}), tris(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl)phosphite and CaH2 for highly (Z)-selective isomerization of allylamides is presented. It is suggested that the observed (Z)-selectivity of the isomerization of some allylamides is the result of the steric effect in the transition state.