The reaction of phenyl compounds of typical groups V and VI elements, PhnA and PhnAX2 (n=2, 3; A=P, As, Sb, Bi, S, Se, Te; X=Cl or X2=O), with Pd(II) salts was studied in the presence of olefinic compounds (1-octene and ethyl acrylate) in acetonitrile. The phenyl migration from A to Pd to produce phenylpalladium species, which lead to the phenylation of olefin, was observed for all PhnA and PhnAX2 (except for A=S and Ph3PX2) when Pd(OAc)2 was utilized. The reaction, however, was inhibited or greatly suppressed for the compounds of P and As when PdCl2 was used in place of Pd(OAc)2. The compounds of Sb and Bi readily react with PdCl2. Mechanistic discussion was given in terms of the extent of nucleophilic assistance by acetate ion when Pd(II) attacks the aromatic nucleus electrophilically at the carbon atom bonded to A.

The irradiation of methyl pyruvate (III) and several methyl-substituted olefins (I) in acetonitrile gives allylic ethers (IV) as well as oxetanes (V) and alcohols (VI), Quenching studies suggest that IV and V are formed from the triplet state of methyl pyruvate, while VI is produced from the excited singlet state.

Die Bestrahlung des Dimethylbutens (I) in Gegenwart des Esters (II) in Acetonitril (Filter: in n‐Hexan gelöstes Naphthalin) unter Stickstoff liefert den Äther (III) neben den Alkoholen (IV) und (V).