Efficient tandem process for the catalytic deprotection of N-allyl amides and lactams in aqueous media: a novel application of the bis(allyl)-ruthenium(IV) catalysts [Ru(eta3:eta2:eta3-C12H18)Cl2] and [{Ru(eta3:eta3-C10H16)(micro-Cl)Cl}2].

An operationally simple and highly efficient methodology for the removal of the allyl protecting group in amides and lactams has been developed by using the commercially available bis(allyl)-ruthenium(IV) catalysts [Ru(eta(3):eta(2):eta(3)-C(12)H(18))Cl(2)] (C(12)H(18)=dodeca-2,6,10-triene-1,12-diyl) and [{Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))(micro-Cl)Cl}(2)] (C(10)H(16)=2,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene-1,8-diyl). The tandem process, which takes place in aqueous media and proceeds in a one-pot manner, involves the initial isomerization of the C=C bond of the allyl unit and subsequent oxidative cleavage of the resulting enamide.