Activator-free olefin oligomerization and isomerization reactions catalyzed by an air- and water-tolerant Wacker oxidation intermediate.

A bench-stable, hydroxy-bridged α-diimine-Pd dimer can self-activate to an olefin oligomerization and isomerization catalyst in the presence of substrate. A cationic Pd-hydride is generated principally through a Wacker oxidation of olefin to ketone, and with C(4+) olefins, lesser amounts of allylic C-H activation, β-H transfer, and release of diene products are observed.