Pd(II)-catalyzed conversion of styrene derivatives to acetals: impact of (-)-sparteine on regioselectivity.

[reaction: see text] Pd[(-)-sparteine]Cl(2) catalyzes the formation of dialkyl acetals from styrene derivatives with Markovnikov regioselectivity. The substrate scope of this reaction has been investigated, and initial mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through an enol ether intermediate and a Pd-hydride.