Reversible ion-pair extraction in a biphasic system. application in transition metal-catalyzed isomerization of allylic compounds

A two-liquid-phase catalysis is described in which aqueous metal halides of Group VIII are used for the isomerization of water-insoluble allylic compounds. With the aid of quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salts, the metal catalyst is extracted into the reagent-containing phase and returned to the aqueous layer by lipophilic anions upon completion of the catalytic process.