Catalytic Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols in Water

The isomerization of allylic alcohols in water, catalytically mediated by water-soluble metal complexes, is an elegant synthetic procedure for obtaining carbonyl compounds in a completely atom-economical eco-benign process with useful applications in natural-product synthesis and bulk chemical processes. This overview aims to provide a view of the goals attained in catalyzed allylic alcohol isomerization in water and its promising applications.