Phase transfer and rhodium (I) catalyzed isomerization of allylaromatics and cognate systems

Summary Allylaromatics undergo isomerization by the use of chlorodicarbonylrhodium(I) dimer as the metal catalyst and phase transfer catalysis conditions [benzene or methylene chloride as the organic phase, aqueous NaOH, and a quarternary ammonium salt as the phase transfer catalyst]. Isomerization of allyl amines and sulfones occurred as well, but the rhodium(I) complex was not required in the latter case.